Astrobiology : An Introduction

This textbook provides a full introduction to astrobiology suitable for university students at all levels. Reflecting a multiscience approach, the text covers topics such as stellar evolution, cosmic chemistry, planet formation, habitable zones, terrestrial biochemistry, and exoplanetary systems. The book discusses the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe in an accessible manner, sparing calculus, curly arrow chemistry, and modeling details. It contains problems and worked examples, and includes a solutions manual with qualifying course adoption.

Astrobiology is a multidisciplinary pursuit that in various guises encompasses astronomy, chemistry, planetary and Earth sciences, and biology. It relies on mathematical, statistical, and computer modeling for theory, and space science, engineering, and computing to implement observational and experimental work. Consequently, when studying astrobiology, a broad scientific canvas is needed. For example, it is now clear that the Earth operates as a system; it is no longer appropriate to think in terms of geology, oceans, atmosphere, and life as being separate.

Reflecting this multiscience approach, Astrobiology: An Introduction:

• Covers topics such as stellar evolution, cosmic chemistry, planet formation, habitable zones, terrestrial biochemistry, and exoplanetary systems
• Discusses the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe in an accessible manner, sparing calculus, curly arrow chemistry, and modeling details
• Contains problems and worked examples, and includes a solutions manual with qualifying course adoption

Astrobiology: An Introduction provides a full introduction to astrobiology suitable for university students at all levels.