 |
University of Florida Astrobiology
|
|
|
MCB 4934 - Special Topics in Astrobiology
Female
99 years old
Gainesville, Florida
United States
Last Login: 11/16/2008
|
Mood:
happy
|
|
View My:
Pics
| Gifts
|
|
|
University of Florida Astrobiology's Interests
|
|
|
|
University of Florida Astrobiology's Details
|
| Status: | Single | | Zodiac Sign: | Virgo |
|
|
University of Florida Astrobiology's Schools
|
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Graduated: N/A
Major: Departement of Microbiology & Cell Science
Current Courses:
|
2005 to Present |
|
|
![]() |
University of Florida Astrobiology is excited to have a webpage! Posted at 4:39 PM Nov 14, 2007
view more
|
|
University of Florida Astrobiology's Latest Blog Entry
[Subscribe to this Blog]
|
Welcome
(view more)
|
| [View All Blog Entries] |
|
University of Florida Astrobiology's Blurbs |
About me:
University of Florida
Astrobiology MCB4934
Spring 2007 – 3 credits
Class Schedule:
Monday - 5th and 6th period 11:45 am – 1:40 pm; Wednesday - 6th period 12:50 – 1:40 pm
Class Location:
Microbiology Cell Science Building Computer Lab
Instructor:
Dr. Jamie Foster, Assistant Professor, Microbiology and Cell Science
Office Hours:
Monday 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm in Microbiology and Cell Science Building
Course Objectives:
The goals of this course are to expose and familiarize students with the following:
1) The nature of science and the scientific method in Astrobiology.
What are the processes of science?
What skills are required for working in science?
How does science apply to everyday life and the study of Astrobiology?
2) Fundamental concepts of Astrobiology and its application
What are the biochemical and genetic processes required for the origin and evolution of life?
What are the environmental limitations of life within the universe?
Does life exist elsewhere in the universe?
What is the future of life on Earth and beyond?
By the end of this course students should be able to:
• Apply the scientific method to problems in Astrobiology
• Understand important concepts and experimental approaches in Astrobiology
Prerequisites:
Since Astrobiology is a multidisciplinary field incorporating microbiology, astronomy, chemistry, physics, geology, genetics, and evolutionary biology, students should have taken at least one introductory science class in any of the previously mentioned fields prior to taking Astrobiology MCB4934.
Required Texts:
1. Reading Primary Literature by Christopher Gillen ISBN 080534599X
2. Life in the Universe 2nd edition by Jeffrey Bennet and Seth Shostak ISBN 0805347534
Grading:
(multiply % x 10 = points; example the two presentations will be each worth 10% or 100 points)
1. Two Topical Astrobiology Reports (10 minute oral presentation) (10% each presentations; total 20% of your final grade; 200 points)
Depending on class size you will be expected to give two 5-minute powerpoint presentations with an additional minutes for questions. In class I will discuss the appropriate elements to structuring and developing an oral presentation. You MUST consult with me before starting work on this presentation to ensure your selected topic is appropriate.
2. Discussion and class participation (10% of your final grade; 100 points) – It is important that you each take an active role in your own education. Just showing up isn’t enough. I expect each of you to be prepared for class and involve yourself in the lectures by asking questions and participating in group-discussions. Be prepared to discuss the merits (if any) of the experimental approach and results.
3. Astrobiology Primary Literature Paper Analysis (20% of your final grade; 200 points) – You will receive several papers from the peer-reviewed literature on one aspect of Astrobiology.. Write your summary in 12 font Ariel, Helvetica or Times New Roman. You must not plagiarize text from papers given to you, nor should you cut and paste text from web sites. Plagiarizing will result in an automatic zero on the assignment. The rational behind this assignment is that as a scientist you are often required to write abstracts (i.e., summaries) of large pieces of work into succinct accounts for colleagues, publication, or professors. Your objective is to summarize the message and conclusions of the paper.
4. Pop quizzes – (10% of your final grade; 100 points) These quizzes will appear randomly throughout the semester. Exception on grading each quiz will be worth 12.5 points. I will drop the lowest quiz grade.
5. Essay exams (40% of your final grade; 400 points). These exams will allow you to demonstrate your familiarity with the concepts, terminology, and methodologies covered in the course.
Make-Up policy – There will be no make up exams unless the following:
• For planned excused absences such as interviews, you must contact the instructor 48 hr in advance of the missed exam and provide adequate documentation.
• For absences due to catastrophic events such as serious illness, accident, Jury duty or death in the immediate family, proper documented justification is required.
I absolutely will require documentation for any missed assignments or exams!
Grading:
Straight scale
90.0-100% A
87.0-89.9% B+
80.0-86.9% B
77.0-79.9% C+
70.0-76.9% C
67.0-69.9% D+
60.0-66.9% D
<60% E
|
Who I'd like to meet:
Anyone involved in the University of Florida's Astrobiology class, and any persons interested in astrobiology in general.
|
|
| University of Florida Astrobiology's Friend Space (Top 2) |
|
University of Florida Astrobiology has 2 friends.
|
|
|
|
|
![]()
|
|
