This course is designed to provide a broad introduction to the exciting new field of astrobiology -- the study of the astronomical and planetary context within which life on Earth has evolved, and the implications for the prevalence of life elsewhere in the Universe.

The course is intended primarily for Birkbeck students taking the B.Sc. in 'Planetary Science with Astronomy' or the 'Certificate in Planetary Science with Astronomy'. It is also open to UCL students taking B.Sc. degrees in 'Planetary Science', 'Astrophysics', 'Biochemistry', 'Palaeobiology' or 'Natural Sciences' (students registered on other courses are also welcome with the agreement of their course tutors). There are no formal academic prerequisites for this course.

The course is scheduled for Wednesday evenings of the first term (i.e. from 6 October 2021). Final assessment for the course is based on a written examination (85%), and course work (15%).

The main aims of the course are to :

(1) Introduce students to the astronomical background of the origin of life, including the origin of the necessary chemical elements and the origin and evolution of the Solar System;

(2) Introduce the concept of pre-biological chemical evolution, and familiarize students with the key theories and experimental results in this area;

(3) Provide students with an overview of the history of life on Earth, and its relevance for life elsewhere, with special reference to extremophilic life;

(4) Outline the prospects for life elsewhere in the Universe, both in our own Solar System and on the newly discovered planets around other stars;