Guide in PDF format
Logo

Planets of the Solar System and Exoplanets: Life in the Universe

Code: 44085
Credits: 6
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology OP 1

Contact lecturer

Name :
Manuel Perger
Email :
manuel.perger@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Ramon Padulles Rullo
Daniele Vigano
Juan Carlos Morales Peralta
Josep Maria Trigo Rodríguez
Albert Rimola Gibert

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Physics and Astronomy is strongly advised.

Objectives

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.

In this subject, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted as an integral part of the development of the work, provided that the final result reflects a significant contribution from the student in terms of analysis and personal reflection. The student must clearly identify which parts have been generated using this technology, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and the final outcome of the activity. Failure to disclose the use of AI will be considered a breach of academic honesty and may result in a penalty on the activity's grade or more severe sanctions in serious cases.

Learning outcomes

  • CA16 (To adapt knowledge about formation, structure, evolution and habitability on planets to new physics situations on planets in the Solar System and exoplanets.) To adapt knowledge about formation, structure, evolution and habitability on planets to new physics situations on planets in the Solar System and exoplanets.
  • KA24 (To present the general aspects of the formation and structure of planets in the Solar System and in exoplanetary systems.) To present the general aspects of the formation and structure of planets in the Solar System and in exoplanetary systems.
  • KA25 (Indicate the global aspects of a multidisciplinary discipline such as astrobiology.) Indicate the global aspects of a multidisciplinary discipline such as astrobiology.
  • SA62 (Apply the general aspects of the formation and structure of planets, both in the Solar System and in other exoplanetary systems.) Apply the general aspects of the formation and structure of planets, both in the Solar System and in other exoplanetary systems.
  • SA63 (Apply the global aspects of a multidisciplinary discipline such as astrobiology.) Apply the global aspects of a multidisciplinary discipline such as astrobiology.
  • SA64 (Analyze the concept of habitability from the broadest perspective, including physical concepts such as energy balance, biological concepts such as terrestrial extremophiles, and chemical concepts such as biomarkers.) Analyze the concept of habitability from the broadest perspective, including physical concepts such as energy balance, biological concepts such as terrestrial extremophiles, and chemical concepts such as biomarkers.
  • SA65 (Analyze the SETI program to search for extraterrestrial intelligence.) Analyze the SETI program to search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
  • SA66 (Use bibliographic tools, online and in English, to delve into key concepts about the formation, characteristics and habitability of the planets of the Solar System and exoplanets.) Use bibliographic tools, online and in English, to delve into key concepts about the formation, characteristics and habitability of the planets of the Solar System and exoplanets.

Contents


  • 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


 

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Theory lectures 41 1.64
Preparation of problem sets 52.5 2.1
Preparation of exam 20 0.8
Preparation of an oral presentation on a paper 10 0.4
Oral presentation of a journal paper 2 0.08
Participation and discussion 20 0.8

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

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Written exam 50% 2.5 0.1 CA16, KA24, KA25, SA62, SA63, SA64, SA65, SA66
Oral presentation of a journal paper 20% 2 0.08 CA16, KA24, KA25, SA62, SA63, SA64, SA65, SA66
Problem sets 30% 0 0 CA16, KA24, KA25, SA62, SA63, SA64, SA65, SA66

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

.

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 English second semester morning-mixed