Introduction to Astrobiology and the Origins of Life

Module code: BS3069

The search for life in the Universe has been a goal that has captivated both scientists and the general public for generations. In the past three decades we have seen a wealth of new scientific discoveries from the fields of astrobiology and origin of life studies that have brought the possibility of discovering life elsewhere in our solar system, or further out in to the galaxy, closer. This module will explore a variety of origin of life theories that offer the mostly likely narrative for the emergence of life on our planet and what evidence we have for each. With these theories in mind we will consider these starting parameters as ‘best guesses’ to explore where life could emerge elsewhere in the Universe.