Chemistry -
Biochemistry 147 Instructor:
K. Plaxco
Astrobiology and the origins of life Office: 1103 Chemistry
kwp@chem.ucsb.edu
Text: Astrobiology: A Brief Introduction (2nd ed)
Supplementary Links: http://www.chem.ucsb.edu/~kwp/astrobio.html
Setting the stage
Week 1: Definition of and potential requirements for life Ch. 1
Origins and evolution of life-supporting Universe Ch. 2
Nucleosynthesis Ch. 2, 3
Week 2: Origins of Solar System Ch. 3
Origins and evolution of Earth Ch. 3
Origins of Life
Week 3: Prebiotic chemistries Ch. 4
Week 4, 5: Theories of the origins of life Ch. 5
Midterm Friday, February 8
Evolution of life on
Earth
Week 5: Origins of genetic code Ch. 6
Week 6: Homologous origins of contemporary biochemistry Ch. 6
Weeks 7, 8: The evolution of higher organisms Ch. 7
Life in the cosmos
Week 9: Extremophiles; physical range of biosphere Ch. 8
Metabolic diversity of biosphere
Week 10: Life in the context of the Solar System/cosmos Ch. 9
Search for life in Solar System and beyond Ch. 10
Final Exam Tuesday
March 19, 12-3 PM