Exploring our understanding of the origins of matter and life 

Module details

  • Offered to 2nd Year students in Autumn Term - Mondays 16:00-18:00
  • Offered to 3rd Year students in Spring Term - Thursdays 16:00-18:00
  • Planned delivery: Online - Live
  • 1-term module worth 5 ECTS
  • Available to eligible students as part of I-Explore

Over the last 25 to 50 years there have been huge advances in our knowledge of our origins. In physics and astronomy we now know the history of the universe and the processes that drive it back to the very first fractions of a second after the Big Bang. We have learnt how stars and planets form and have discovered thousands of planets orbiting other stars. Life is being sought on these planets and on planets and moons in our own Solar System, and we are beginning to understand the processes behind the origin of life. This module will allow you, through student-centred learning, to examine the current scientific view of the origin of the Earth, the universe, matter, and life, as well as the evidence upon which these views are based. The course also includes the development of these views in different cultures, and areas of uncertainty.

Through team-based and independent research you will learn how to explain the status and results of scientific research into origins questions, and to critically evaluate the scientific evidence for these conclusions. You will also be able to consider where results and conclusions are uncertain, and where our knowledge is currently limited. This course provides you with the opportunity to learn how to independently research unfamiliar topics, supported by the Origins team, and how to communicate the results of this research to a non-specialist audience. By the end of the module, you should also be able to discuss the diversity of cultural approaches to origins questions.

Please note: The information on this module description is indicative. The module may undergo minor modifications before the start of next academic year.

Accordian

Got any questions?

Contact the lecturer
David Clements
d.clements@imperial.ac.uk