Life in the Universe

Life in the Universe takes non-science majors on a journey through the solar system and beyond, using a rigorous yet accessible introduction to astronomy, biology, chemistry, and geology to explain natural phenomena and explore unanswered scientific questions. The Second Edition has been thoroughly revised to include updated scientific discoveries, optional quantitative coverage, an enhanced illustration program, and expanded coverage of the solar system and stellar material.

 

Designed for the emerging astrobiology course, but also suitable for introductory astronomy, Life in the Universe captures the imagination of students by exploring fundamental pan-scientific questions: How did life begin on Earth? What are the most extreme forms of life currently known? What are the challenges of trying to colonize another planet?

 

The text motivates non-science majors to develop basic reasoning skills and an understanding of the process of science through skillful writing and a wealth of pedagogical features, such as Learning Goals that keep students focused on key concepts. Sidebars provide optional mathematical material for courses that fulfill quantitative requirements.

 

An expanded media package includes an Instructor Resource CD-ROM (with all the figures and photos from the book) and an updated companion website (including new quizzes, tutorials, and interactive figures and photos). This media is integrated with the text through the use of icons that point to interactive photos and figures.

(Pearson)

Bli först med att recensera och betygsätt boken Life in the Universe - du kan vinna 200 kr varje månad i tävlingen "Månadens recension".

I.  Introducing Life in the Universe

1. A Universe of Life?

2. The Science of Life in the Universe

3. The Universal Context of Life

II. Life on Earth

3. The Habitability of Earth

4. The Nature of Life on Earth

5. The Origin and Evolution of Life on Earth

III. Life in the Solar System

6. Searching for Life in Our Solar System

7. Mars

8. Life on Jovian Moons

9. The Nature and Evolution of Habitability

IV. Life Among the Stars

10. Habitability Outside the Solar System

11. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

12. Interstellar Travel and the Fermi Paradox

Epilogue: Contact Implications of the Search and Discovery

 

(Pearson)