For intro-level, one-semester multidisciplinary science and astronomy courses.

Encourage students to explore answers to questions about life beyond Earth and our solar system.

Life in the Universe provides an ideal starting point for non-science majors intrigued by the latest discoveries about life in the solar system and beyond. Rigorously researched and accessible to students of all backgrounds, the text introduces concepts drawn from astronomy, biology, and geology to explain natural phenomena and to explore profound scientific questions about astrobiology. The Fourth Edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to include the latest scientific discoveries and advancements, including new information regarding extrasolar planets, artificial life, and early life on Earth.

Designed for courses in astrobiology, Life in the Universe arouses students’ natural curiosity by exploring fundamental questions such as: How did life begin on Earth? What are the most extreme forms of life currently known? What do we know about the possibility of life beyond Earth?

The text encourages non-science majors to develop an understanding of the process of science through its inherently compelling subject matter as well as its wealth of engaging features, including Learning Goals, Special Topics, and connections to popular culture. Sidebars provide optional mathematical material for courses that fulfill quantitative requirements.

Also Available with MasteringAstronomy™

Available for the first time, MasteringAstronomy from Pearson is the leading online homework, tutorial, and assessment system, designed to improve results by engaging students before and after class with powerful content. Instructors ensure students arrive ready to learn by assigning educationally effective content before class. Students can further master concepts after class through traditional homework assignments that provide hints and answer-specific feedback. The Mastering gradebook records scores for all automatically graded assignments in one place, while diagnostic tools give instructors access to rich data to assess student understanding and misconceptions.

Mastering brings learning full circle by continuously adapting to each student and making learning more personal than ever—before and after class.

Note: You are purchasing a standalone product; MasteringAstronomy does not come packaged with this content. Students, if interested in purchasing this title with MasteringAstronomy, ask your instructor for the correct package ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information.

If you would like to purchase boththe physical text and MasteringAstronomy, search for:

0134068408 / 9780134068404 Life in the Universe Plus MasteringAstronomy with eText -- Access Card Package

Package consists of:

• 0134080017 / 9780134080017 MasteringAstronomy with Pearson eText -- ValuePack Access Card -- for Life in the Universe
• 0134089081 / 9780134089089 Life in the Universe
• 0321765184 / 9780321765185   SkyGazer 5.0 Student Access Code Card (Integrated component)