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Planetary Habitability
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:32
Abstract
This course surveys current thinking on what features of planets are essential to their habitability through reading and discussing key papers. Each week we will examine one proposed habitability factor and read papers arguing for and against its importance. Students will present and lead discussion on the papers each week, synthesizing the main issues with the class.
Objective
The goal of the course is to critically evaluate the factors or processes that have been proposed as being essential for planetary habitability. Students will learn to summarize and evaluate scientific papers, synthesize information and arguments presented across different papers, and present this information orally to the class. Over the course of the class students will develop their own understanding of planetary habitability and formulate new research directions that could further test hypotheses discussed in class.
Content
The course will focus on 6 key topics related to planetary habitability, one per week. Students will present important papers related to the weekly topic and lead a discussion. Week 1-What factors are important for habitability? Week 2-What are the Habitable Zone limits and how well can they be defined? Week 3-Are waterworlds habitable? Week 4-Is plate tectonics necessary for habitability? Week 5-Is a magnetic field necessary for habitability? Week 6-Are planets around M-dwarfs habitable?
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC , GS
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 15
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Planetary Habitability
Taught by visiting professor Brad Foley
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14 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Electives (The electives listed are recommended. Additional courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich.)
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Electives (Courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich (according to prior agreement with the MSc Committee).)
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