Planets of the Solar System and Exoplanets: Life in the Universe
Code: 44085 ECTS Credits: 6| Degree | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology | OT | 0 |
Contact
- Name:
- Manuel Perger
- Email:
- Desconegut
Teachers
- Juan Carlos Morales Peralta
- Josep Maria Trigo RodrÃguez
- Daniele Vigano
- Albert Rimola Gibert
Teaching groups languages
You can view this information at the end of this document.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Physics and Astronomy is strongly advised.
Objectives and Contextualisation
The objective of the course is to provide the student with the basic knowledge on topics related to planets (both Solar System and exoplanets) and life in the universe from a broad perspective.
This includes understanding the structure of planet interiors and atmospheres, the concept habitability in general, techniques for Earth's observations, exoplanet detection and characterization, and the main characteristics of life on Earth and beyond.
The course will make use of theoretical lectures as well as practical work and exercises, both theoretical and in programming, to be carried out by the students.
Up-to-date literature will be used to complement the topics discussed in class and the student should be able to comprehend the details of the techniques and methodologies used in such publications.
The final goal is that the students acquire sufficient basic knowledge to carry out work in this field of research and, most importantly, that they learn to think by themselves.
Competences
- Formulate and tackle problems, both open and more defined, identifying the most relevant principles and using approaches where necessary to reach a solution, which should be presented with an explanation of the suppositions and approaches.
- Understand the bases of advanced topics selected at the frontier of high energy physics, astrophysics and cosmology and apply them consistently.
Learning Outcomes
- Acquire general knowledge vision of a multidisciplinary discipline like astrobiology.
- Analyse the concept of inhabitability from the broadest of perspectives, including physical concepts like energy balance, biological ones, such as terrestrial extremophiles, and chemical ones, such as biomarkers.
- Master the theoretical and practical concepts related to remote sensing, applied to the Earth and to the characterisation of exoplanets.
- Understand the general aspects of the formation and structure of the planets, both in the Solar System and in other exoplanetary systems.
Content
- Origin and abundances of chemical elements
- Spectroscopy and composition of the interstellar medium
- Planets of the Solar System: evolution and atmospheres
- Planet Earth and its biosphere (life as we know it)
- Earth observations
- Exoplanet detection: techniques and results
- Structure and magnetism of planets
- Observation of exoplanet atmospheres
- Habitability
- Biomarkers and life detection
- Extraterrestrial intelligence and the SETI program
Activities and Methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Directed | |||
| Oral presentation of a journal paper | 2 | 0.08 | 1, 2, 4, 3 |
| Theory lectures | 41 | 1.64 | 1, 2, 4, 3 |
| Type: Supervised | |||
| Participation and discussion | 20 | 0.8 | 1, 2, 4, 3 |
| Type: Autonomous | |||
| Preparation of an oral presentation on a paper | 10 | 0.4 | 1, 2, 4, 3 |
| Preparation of exam | 20 | 0.8 | 1, 2, 4, 3 |
| Preparation of problem sets | 52.5 | 2.1 | 1, 2, 4, 3 |
Theory lectures.
Resolving of exercises and problem sets.
Oral presentation of a journal paper.
Active participation in class and attendance to relevant seminars in the campus.
Classwork and homework.
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Assessment
Continous Assessment Activities
| Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral presentation of a journal paper | 20% | 2 | 0.08 | 1, 2, 4, 3 |
| Problem sets | 30% | 0 | 0 | 1, 2, 4, 3 |
| Written exam | 50% | 2.5 | 0.1 | 1, 2, 4, 3 |
The evaluation will consist of three different elements:
1. Written exam that may contain multiple choice or individual questions, developing a topic and/or practical exercises.
2. Oral presentation of a journal paper from the literature.
3. Problem sets to be developed as homework during the course.
This subject/module does not foresee the single assessment system.
50% one final written exam, with different questions covering the main different topics. There will be a resit exam in case of not reaching the minimum total mark of the course
Bibliography
NUCLEOSYNTHESIS AND CHEMICAL ELEMENTS
"Nuclear astrophysics: the unfinished quest for the origin of the elements", Jordi José, Christian Iliadis, 2011, Reports on Progress in Physics, Vol. 74, Issue 9
"Origin of the Chemical Elements", T. Rausher, A. Patkos, (arXiv:1011.5627) in Handbook of Nuclear Chemistry, pp 611-655, Springer
PLANETS AND EXOPLANETS
"Exoplanets", S. Seager (ed.)., 2010, The University of Arizona Press
"Fundamental Planetary Science", J.J. Lissauer. I. de Pater, 2013, Cambridge University Press
"The Exoplanet Handbook", 2014, M. Perryman, Cambridge University Press
"Protostars and Planets VI", H. Beuther et al. (eds), 2014, The University of Arizona Press
"The early evolution of theatmospheres of terrestrial planets", J.M. Trigo-Rodríguez et al., 2013, Springer
"The catalytic potential of cosmic dust: Implications for prebiotic chemistry in the solar nebula and other protoplanetary systems", H.G.M. Hill, J.A. Nuth, 2003, Astrobiology, Vol.3, Num. 2
ASTROBIOLOGY AND LIFE
"An introduction to Astrobiology", I. Gilmour, M.A. Sephton, 1999, The Open University, Cambridge University Press
"Astrobiology. An Introduction", A. Longstaff, 2015, CRC Press
"Life in the universe", D. Schulze-Makuch, L.N. Irwin, 2008, Springer-Verlag
Software
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Groups and Languages
Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.
| Name | Group | Language | Semester | Turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TEm) Theory (master) | 1 | English | second semester | morning-mixed |