Aliens are us. An innovative course in astrobiology

Abstract

We live in a scientific world; paradoxically, the scientific literacy of the population is minimal at best. Science is an ongoing process, a human endeavour; paradoxically, students tend to believe that science is a finished enterprise. Many non-science major students are not motivated in science classes; paradoxically, there is a public fascination with the possibility of life in the Universe, which is nowadays a scientific endeavour. An astrobiology course was developed at the Center for Science and Mathematics Education at The University of Texas at Austin to address these paradoxes and includes the following objectives: (a) to improve scientific literacy; (b) to demonstrate that science is a work in progress; (c) to enhance the inherent interdisciplinary aspect of science; (d) to demonstrate that science is embedded in society and relates with several social sciences; (e) to improve the content knowledge about the nature of science; (f) to illustrate how engaging learning science can be; and (g) to draw from the intrinsic motivation already incorporated in the general population. The course has been offered, taught and revised for the past three years. The informal course student feedback has been very positive and encouraging. The purpose of this paper is to provide a general overview of the course. In addition, the course's background, content, themes and mode of delivery are outlined, discussed and analysed in this paper. This paper subscribes to an educational philosophy that focuses on the multidisciplinary nature of science and includes critical thinking-based teaching strategies using the dynamic discipline of astrobiology.

Secondary School Students' Knowledge and Opinions on Astrobiology Topics and Related Social Issues

“…These conclusions, along with those of existing works (e.g., Carrapiço et al, 2002;Brake et al, 2006;Slater, 2006;Arino de la Rubia et al, 2009;Oliveira and Barufaldi, 2009;Quinlan, 2015), will be considered for the implementation of an astrobiology curriculum for secondary school students within the Spanish educational system.…”

Survey on Astrobiology Research and Teaching Activities Within the United Kingdom

“…No US university offers a standalone degree in astrobiology, though a number offer a degree in a traditional discipline with a certificate or a minor in astrobiology (Committee on the Review of the NAI, 2008). It is also possible for non-science majors to take an astrobiology module at some US institutions, such as the University of Texas in Austin (Oliveira and Barufaldi, 2009).…”

On the parallels between cosmology and astrobiology: a transdisciplinary approach to the search for extraterrestrial life

“…This need for integration among disciplines and research areas is obviously antagonistic to academic specialization and compartmentalization. Here lies one of the main contributions of astrobiology to scientific literacy: it demonstrates that science is, by definition, an inherent holistic and cooperative human endeavour (Oliveira & Barufaldi, 2009). On themes such as the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe, including the Earth, concepts and theories from biology, physics, chemistry, astronomy and philosophy are essential.…”