Ambientes Extremos na Terra e no Espaço

Objectives

Show all extreme environments existing on Earth (oceans and polar regions) and in Space; show the latest advances in extreme environments on Earth, and how it can be used in various contexts, including space missions; Improve students' attitudes towards writing, presentation and discussion; Motivate students to pursue a career in science, including research (at the University, research institutes and space agencies), science teaching and communication.

Syllabus

Basic requirements for habitability. Life in extreme environments and importance for space missions. Planetary analogues as tools for detecting life. Characterization of polar regions in geological, glaciological, biological and climatic terms. Main differences between the Arctic and Antarctica. Effects of climate change in the Polar Regions and its consequences at low altitudes. The Polar Regions as reserves of biological and geological resources. Chemical, physical, biological and geological processes in the oceans. Characteristics of deep seas. Space missions to extreme environments in the solar system. Extreme environments and extraterrestrial life detection (biological or geological processes that release methane on Mars; past/present/future space detection missions). Exoplanets (definition; spectroscopy as a tool to detect exo-planets and their atmospheres).

Cross Competence Component

Oral expression, written expression, teamwork, critical and innovative thinking, and problem solving strategies will be evaluated in this UC. 50% of the evaluation component will be for the elaboration by each group of a monograph (review) on a proposed theme/problem, and respective oral presentation and discussion. When solving a problem by preparing a monograph, students will develop critical and innovative thinking, as well as problem- solving strategies. One of the objectives of this UC is to improve students' skills in terms of writing, presentation and discussion, making them gain confidence to speak in public and learn to prepare scientific papers. In addition, it is intended that students improve the skills of teamwork, learning to interact with other students in heterogeneous groups (i.e. with students from other courses who may attend UC).

Programming And Computing Component

Use of word processors, data processing software and preparation for oral presentations.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group´s work. In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.