ANALOGUE STUDIES OF LIFE ON MARS

Humans have long been fascinated with the prospect of finding life on the planet Mars. Historically, it was believed that complex civilizations once thrived there.  However, currently, we have not yet found evidence of even simple bacterial life. The direct search for life on Mars is limited to scientists who have access to equipment (e.g., Curiosity Rover) that can directly sample the Martian surface. However there are many scientists that work toward understanding the conditions that might support life on Mars through “analogue” studies.  An analogue study is one in which observations are made in environments where Martian conditions occur or are reconstructed here on Earth.  For example, we might test how well bacteria survive on Earth under the same temperatures or radiation experienced at the Martian surface or in Martian hydrothermal vents.  We might test technology that that can be used to remotely identify microscopic fossils (evidence of life) in Earth rocks with the hope of using this technology on the next generation Mars rover.  We might even see how well humans would survive in isolation if they were sent to Mars, by monitoring groups of people living in Mars analogue habitats in the Canadian Arctic. 

Your assignment is to write a scientific report about life on Mars.  You will be asked to review two themes: 1) Why do we believe there is a possibility of life on Mars? and 2) How are analogue studies helping in the search for life on Mars?

The most important skill in writing a scientific report is the ability to obtain useful and quality information from published literature.  To do this well, you must be able to:

Choose quality sources
Scrutinize what you are reading
Recognize the information that is pertinent to your report
Summarize the pertinent information in your own words
Synthesize the information into a coherent and succinct argument
Your report will be marked on:
Content (which reflects you ability to gather, synthesize and convey information): 60%.
Please see the detailed OUTLINE (attached file for a summary of the information you need to include in your report.
 
Formatting (based on your ability to follow instructions and your writing style):40%