Habitability in the Universe (IL907)

Module Code

IL907-10 (10 CATS)

IL907-15 (15 CATS)

Module Convenor

Dr David Brown (he/him/his)

When/Where

Term 2 (Spring)
Fridays 12.00 pm - 2.00 pm

OC1.08 (Oculus)

Assessment

For 10 CATS:
1500 word Essay/Report/Literature Review (60%)
15 minute group presentation
+ 20-30 minute group viva (40%)

For 15 CATS:
2500 word Essay/Report/Literature Review (60%)
15 minute group presentation
+ 20-30 minute group viva (40%)

What is this module about?

This module will draw together concepts of habitability from across the university, exploring both the realities of habitability and our own reactions to it.

We will look at habitable conditions both on- and off-Earth, examine the possibilities for habitable environments in our own Solar system, and study how we discover and learn about habitable planets in the wider galaxy using modern telescopes. We will also investigate life at the extremes, considering extremophiles on Earth and what they might tell us about habitable conditions elsewhere, as well as the myriad biological adaptations of Earth-based life for different habitats. Expanding beyond the sciences, we will assess the historical context of 'habitable' environments, analyse representations of habitability and ‘the other’ in film, and discuss the various factors that influence ecological niches. Throughout, we will critically consider “the new Space Age” with its growing stream of talk about other planets, colonisation, and off-world activity.

Emily took the Habitability in the Universe in 2021. Here Link opens in a new windowshe speaks about her experience.

What will this module cover?

Sessions will consist of a mix of lectures, seminars, guided discussions, and/or group activities, as appropriate for the topic and content of the session. During each session we will introduce new concepts from different academic perspectives, with each session being led by an academic from an appropriate department. We will cover the main concepts of habitability and how we understand it, before expanding progressively to cover more detailed ideas of habitability in both the sciences and the arts. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to challenge your pre-existing understanding of 'habitability', and to combine your subject specialism with knowledge and insights from multiple, diverse research fields, so that you ultimately form a new, interdisciplinary understanding of the topic.

Illustrative Syllabus (exact sessions and lecturers may change)

Week 1 - Introduction and defining life – David Brown (Physics)

Week 2 - Habitability in the Solar system – David Brown (Physics)

Week 3 - Life at the extremes - Jose Gutierrez-Marcos (Life Sciences)

Week 4 - How the world works - Jess Savage (Global Sustainable Development)

Week 5 - Exoplanets and environments off-Earth - Heather Cegla (Physics)

Week 6 - Histories of habitability - Tom Simpson (History)

Week 7 - Exobrains and adaptations to extremes - Nick Dale (Life Sciences)

Week 8 - Habitability in film – Catherine Constable (Film and Television Studies)

Week 9 - Neocatastrophism - Elizabeth Stanway (Physics)

Week 10 - The interdisciplinarity of habitability - David Brown (Physics)

Learning outcomes

See module catalogue:

Select IL907-10 (10 CATS)Link opens in a new window

Select IL907-15 (15 CATS)Link opens in a new window

How to register

Complete our online form to request your place.

Once IATL have confirmed you have been allocated a place, follow your home department's procedure to register.

Find out how this relates to IATL strategy

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