Recent observations are showing a bewildering variety of planetary systems outside our own Solar system, the properties and evolution of which are far from understood. With the search for a truly Earth-mass and Earth-size planets, attention will turn to the question of habitability, in terms of stellar environment and atmospheric properties. The astrobiology course will focus on investigating and evaluating approaches that could lead to the discovery of life on other worlds.

Period
12-08-2013 - 23-08-2013 (2 weeks)

Target group
Master's students

Course aim
When the course is finished the student is expected to be able to:

- Describe the main Astrobiology research activities.

- Describe the properties of life.



- Describe the content and background of methods and techniques used in the search for life in the Universe and discuss their strength and weaknesses.

- Describe the major results obtained within the research field. Evaluate and discuss the possibilities and limitations for studying life beyond Earth. Discuss the future research activities in relation to astrobiology. Develop new approaches.

Credits
5.0 ECTS credits

Course fee
EUR 0: Students on a bilateral exchange programme do not have to pay. Freemovers are obliged to pay participation fees while tuition fees only apply to freemovers from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland.

Course leader
Kai Finster and Tina Santl Temkiv, Aarhus

Aarhus University International Centre
Address: Hoeg Guldbergs Gade 4, building 1650 Aarhus C
Postal code: 8000
City: Aarhus
Country: Denmark
Website: http://www.au.dk/summeruniversity
E-mail: SummerUniversity@adm.au.dk
Phone: +45 8942 2320