Admission requirements
Open to students that are registered for the minor Our Universe.
Description
The universe has inspired humanity's imagination throughout the ages. In this course we explore two aspects.
First we look at how astronomical knowledge is presented in popular media, such as books, movies, and art works. Groups will choose their own topic and research question. The goal of this assignment is to reflect on the connection between our imagination and our scientific knowledge of the universe. Are they used to build a creative story? Or deformed to fit the story?
Second, we apply our knowledge of exoplanets, astrobiology, and astronomy to question the appearance and characteristics of extraterrestrial life forms. Groups will be assigned an exoplanet and are tasked to combine scientific knowledge with imagination to design a plausible life form that may have emerged on a planet, considering both the stellar and planetary environment, as well as possible evolutionary processes.
Course objectives
At the end of this course the students will be able to:
Recognize the ways in which astronomical knowledge is applied in works of fiction and art and debate the purpose of this application.
Summarize the stellar and planetary characteristics that affect habitability.
Apply knowledge of planetary physics and biology to design a plausible extraterrestrial life form.
Schedule
See MyTimetable.
Teaching method
Lectures
Tutorial sessions
Excursion to the Plants & Planets exhibition at the Old Observatory
Introductory lectures prepare the students for the interactive tutorials sessions. During these tutorials, students work in small groups on the two assignments, under guidance of a lecturer or TA. Active participation and interactive discussions are required for the group projects.
Assesment method
Students need to pass each of the following components to pass the course:
Participation in the lectures, tutorial sessions, and excursion (Pass/Fail)
Group oral presentation for first assignment (50%)
Group poster presentation for second assignment (50%)
Resit, review & feedback
The retake exam will be either written or oral, depending on the number of participants. During oral exams students may also be asked to solve problems on paper.
Reading list
Reading material will be provided on Brightspace and during the tutorial sessions.
Registration
Registration for courses and exams takes place via MyStudymap.
Contact
Education Office: minor@strw.leidenuniv.nl
Course coordinator: Dr. Sjoert van Velzen | sjoert@strw.leidenuniv.nl