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
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
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
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
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.
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
Understand the principles of spectroscopy
Discuss the usefulness of spectroscopy in science