The course will cover the foundations of astrochemistry, a young field at the intersection between chemistry and astronomy. Topics to be discussed include the interstellar medium, atomic and molecular physics, interstellar chemistry, molecular astronomy, and unresolved enigmas in the field, such as the homochirality of amino acids. The seminar will involve guest lectures by experts, group discussions, readings from the primary and review literature, field trip(s), movies (including a science fiction movie), weekly writing assignments, telescopic observations, and one day in a laboratory on earth.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 24

Prerequisites: CHEM 105 or CHEM 120.

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Every three years

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered; Spring