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Astrobiology and the Origins of Life

Postgraduate | SWI-AST80001 | 2023

Course information for 2023 intake

View information for 2024 course intake

Navigate the origins and evolution of life on Earth. Study what matters in the universe and reach for the stars. Uncover the early Earth and the rise of life. Explore probabilities of life on other planets—what makes habitability and the signs of life.

Study method
100% online
Assessments
100% online
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
Duration
13 weeks

FEE-HELP available

Astrobiology and the Origins of Life

About this subject

  • Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

    1. Identify and describe current theories of Solar System formation, the various theories of how life began on Earth and the parallel evolution of life and the environment;
    2. Discuss and explain how our limited understanding of life influences current searches for life in the Solar System;
    3. Recognise how astrobiology relates to other sciences;
    4. Explain basic principles and concepts about the synthesis of complex molecules in a non-technical way understandable to the wider public;
    5. Use problem solving skills to explain solutions to problems in astrobiology and the origins of life;
    6. Design and create a research project using credible sources of astronomical information and research articles and/or observational means

Entry requirements

Part of a degree

To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:

Elective

  • SWI-AST-GCE-2023 - Graduate Certificate of Science (Astronomy)

Prior study

You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:

one of

and one of

Equivalent subjects

You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

  • SWI-HET618 (Not currently available)

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

Study load

0.125 EFTSL
This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.

Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.

Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.

Related degrees

Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses

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