Course Syllabus
143:030 First Year Seminar
Are We Alone? Scientific Speculation on Life in the Universe
Fall Semester 2006

Steven R. Spangler
705 Van Allen Hall
319-335-1948
steven-spangler@uiowa.edu
http://phobos.physics.uiowa.edu/$\sim$srs/

This first year seminar will deal with the fascinating topic of life elsewhere in the universe. Since we have no data one way or the other, opinions have ranged from totally negative (the Earth may be unique in having life) to very positive (life, and even intelligent life is common). The class will deal mainly with what we know about life's origins here on Earth, and what we know about the habitability of other places in outer space. However, students will find that an amazing variety of themes come up when discussing ``exobiology''.

General Course Information

1. The class will meet on Thursdays, from 2:30 to 3:20 PM in room 114 of the Belin Honors Center.
2. The course will be centered on the book Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe by Peter Ward and Donald Brownless. We will read this book and discuss it in class. Later in the semester, additional reading assignments will be made. Material will be provided.
3. Although this course deals with topics in several sciences (astronomy, geology, biology, physics) it is not directed towards science majors (although science majors are welcome and encouraged to contribute what they have learned to the discussions). I do not plan to use mathematical discussions and will develop scientific concepts as they are encountered.
4. Office hours for Professor Spangler are 1:00 to 2:00 Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, 11:00AM to 12:00 PM, Thursday, or by appointment if attendance during these times is not possible.
5. Grades in this class will be determined by performance in three areas: (a) active and prepared participation in class, (b) written responses to ``posed questions'', which will be given about every other week, and (c) a written final project on a topic in the area of the course. The ``posed questions'' will be short essay questions which are given a week in advance, and to which students respond in class.
6. Students are encouraged to visit the roof of Van Allen Hall to get a sense of the astronomical universe. A laboratory instructor will be on duty on clear nights, Monday through Thursday, at 9:00 PM. The time will be moved earlier as the semester progresses. The roof of Van Allen Hall may be reached from a stairway at the east end of the 7th floor. The roof is kept dark during observing sessions, so be careful where you step and be alert for changes in elevation. I will personally direct some of these sessions during the semester, and stress astronomical objects that we have discussed in class. In addition, I plan to organize observing sessions at the observatory of the Cedar Amateur Astronomers near Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
7. There is a World Wide Web homepage associated with the course, (URL given above). Go to the link for ``Are We Alone:... 143:030?''. The website contains lecture material and other information, and will serve as a means of communication with students.
8. I would like to hear from anyone who has a disability which may require some modification of seating, testing, or other class requirements so that appropriate arrangements may be made. Please see me after class or during office hours.