This course is intended to help students understand the deep history of matter and the evolution of life over cosmic time (beginning with the Hot Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago). In the first semester on Life’s Physical Origins – from Atoms to Archaea, students will consider the emergence of atoms, molecules, organic molecules, and the first single-celled life forms. In the second semester on The Evolution of Life – from Microbes to Mankind, students will consider the Earth’s deep history, the diversity of cell types on Earth, the genetic code, Darwinian evolution, evolutionary processes within ecosystems, and the prospects for life elsewhere in the Universe. Along the way, they will learn important aspects of astronomy, physics, chemistry, geology, and biology. Students will carry out and document a variety of learning activities that will be assessed.
Course Introduction and Preliminary Syllabus
Life in the Universe -- Intro & Syllabus 2019-2020
Life in the Universe -- Intro & Syllabus 2018-2019
Preliminary Syllabus for 1st Semester (Life’s Physical Origins – from Atoms to Archaea):
First Quarter –
Chapter 1: About Science
Chapter 39: The Universe
Chapter 14: The Atom
Chapter 16: Elements of Chemistry
Second Quarter –
Chapter 17: How Atoms Bond and Molecules Attract
Chapter 19: How Chemicals React
Chapter 21: Organic Compounds
Chapter 22: The Cell
Midterm Exam
Preliminary Syllabus for 2nd Semester (The Evolution of Life – from Microbes to Mankind):
Third Quarter –
Chapter 39: The Universe (Reprise)
Chapter 36: Earth’s History
Chapter 22: The Cell (Reprise)
Chapter 23: How Cells Work
Fourth Quarter –
Chapter 24: DNA and Genes
Chapter 26: The Evolution of Life
Chapter 27: Diversity of Life on Earth
Chapter 30: Ecosystems and Environment
Final Exam