Students completing a minor in Astrobiology will be able to:

Explain the interdisciplinary foundations of astrobiology, including the biological, chemical, geological, and astronomical processes relevant to the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe.
Describe the conditions required for planetary habitability and evaluate how these conditions arise and change over time on Earth and other planetary bodies.
Analyze the origin and evolution of life on Earth and apply these principles to hypotheses about potential life elsewhere in the universe.
Critically evaluate scientific evidence and claims related to astrobiology, including those presented in scholarly literature, media, and public discourse.
Apply the scientific method to interdisciplinary problems, integrating data and concepts from multiple scientific fields to address questions about life and habitability.
Interpret and analyze data from laboratory, field, or observational studies relevant to astrobiology, including biological, geological, or astronomical datasets.
Communicate scientific ideas effectively, using appropriate terminology and formats for written, oral, or visual presentation to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Demonstrate awareness of ethical, societal, and planetary-protection considerations associated with the search for life beyond Earth and space exploration.

Astrobiology Minor

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