Course Requirements for Astrobiology Minor
To qualify for the Minor students are required to take 18 course credits from the list below, with at least 6 credits at the 400 level. A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor.
Required Introductory Courses [3 credits; Semesters 1 – 6]
EARTH 002 (3): Earth System
GEOSC 021 (3): Origin & Evolution of the Earth and Life
–OR–
Required Courses [9–10 credits; Semesters 5 – 8]
ASTRO 140 (3) : Life in the Universe
–OR–
ASTRO 291 (3): Astronomical Methods & the Solar System
BIOL/GEOSC 474 (3): Astrobiology
–OR–
GEOSC 204 (4): Geobiology
BIOL 427 (3): Evolution
Notes
Substitutions may be possible by petition (download/fill out "Course Substitution" form and contact Dr. Fantle to discuss substitution).
Prerequisites: ASTRO 001 or 010; PHYS 211 & MATH 140; BIOL 110 and GEOSC 001 or 020; CHEM 110
All minors must be declared on eLion by the student. Please contact Dr. Fantle with questions
Additional Courses [select 5–6 credits]
ASTRO 475W (3): Stars and Galaxies
MICRB 201 (3): Introductory Microbiology
BIOL 405 (3): Molecular Evolution
METEO 466 (3): Planetary Atmospheres
BMB 401 (3): General Biochemistry
GEOSC 416 (3): Stable and Radioactive Isotopes in Geoscience
BMB 402 (3): General Biochemistry
GEOSC 419 (3): Organic Geochemistry
Other Courses of Interest
GEOSC 409W (3): Geomicrobiology – offered Fall semesters
ABIOL 570 (2): Astrobiology Field Experience – for schedule email Chris House
ABIOL 574 (3): Planetary Habitability – for schedule email Jim Kasting
ABIOL 590 (2): Astrobiology Seminar
STS 497 (3): Space Colonization (not currently offered)
ASTRO 420W (3): Planets and Planetary System Formation [contact Matt Fantle re: course substitution for ASTRO 475W]
In addition to the prerequisites above: ASTRO 292 & 291; BIOL 222 or BIOL 230W; CHEM 212 and BMB 251 (CHEM 112) or 230; MATH 141 & PHYS 211; CHEM 111, 112 & 113