Origins of Cellular Life on Earth and Beyond

This course discusses the origins of cellular life on Earth and beyond. We will ask: How did life originate? What are the limits of conditions that sustain life? Is there life elsewhere in the universe? How would we know life if we found it elsewhere (i.e., how is life defined)? This discussion-based course will delve into the literature reporting the biological and astrobiological research community's response to life's 'big questions.' Prerequisite: Biology 201L/201LA and 202L, or 203L, or graduate student standing. Recommended prerequisite: Biology 212L.