Online lesson overview

Below, we outline the six online lesson available as part of the UNSW Chemistry Biosignatures Depth Study for Year 12 students.

Lesson 1, 2, 3 and 6 provide essential information for the on-campus spectroscopy experiment and related talks.

Lesson 4 provides information associated with the suggested assessment (scientific debate)

Lesson 5 provides information on equilibrium, and includes two suggested in-class practicals.

By the end of the course you should be able to discuss the following key concepts

  • Telescopes can use spectroscopy to look for molecules in exoplanets

  • Spectroscopy is a technique that allows one to “fingerprint” or identify molecules based on how they interact with light, and depends on the allowed quantum states of the molecule

  • Some molecules such as O2 and O3 are potential biosignatures and suggest there might be life on the planet

  • Earth’s atmospheric equilibrium composition of gases depends on the presence of life and

  • would be unstable otherwise

Lesson 1: Much Ado about Aliens:

  • Define the key aspects of an exoplanet

  • Identify the features of an exoplanet that make it suitable for the search for life

  • Define the major principle of spectroscopy and examples where it is useful in society

  • Describe some upcoming missions that aim to further understanding of exoplanets and their atmospheres

Lesson 2: Earth’s Atmospheric Equilibrium

  • Explain the relationship between life and atmospheric gas by referring to specific examples of gaseous equilibria

  • Understand how Earth’s biosignature has changed over time

Lesson 3: Introduction to Biosignatures

  • Define the term ‘biosignature’

  • Explain why a biosignature is useful in science

  • Identify a biosignature graph (spectroscopic)

  • Identify what features of a biosignature allow for efficient identification of compounds in the exoplanet atmosphere

Lesson 4: Scientific Debate

Learn the basics of how to:

  • Read scientific papers, starting with a relevant selected paper on the suitability of different molecules as biosignatures

  • Search for new scientific information and peer-reviewed literature

  • Produce good scientific figures

  • Speak as a scientist

  • Ask questions as a scientist

This lesson will be particularly valuable for students studying Science Extension.

Lesson 5: Let's Talk about Equilibrium

  • Conduct practical investigations to analyse reversibility of reactions

  • Use modelling (including mathematical examples) to explain phenomena, make predictions and solve problems using evidence from primary and secondary sources

  • Understand how Le Chatalier's principle effects equilibrium reactions

Lesson 6: Spectroscopy

  • Understand the principles of spectroscopy

  • Discuss the usefulness of spectroscopy in science