The scientific method of investigation will be emphasized in topics relevant to the search for extraterrestrial life, from microbes to self-cognizant entities. The course presents current ideas concerning the origin of the atomic elements, star and planetary formation, environmental requirements and constraints, early cell formation and evolution, habitable zones, extremophiles, the potential for life in our solar system, exoplanets and their spectra, the Drake equation, intelligence, Kardashev classification, the Fermi paradox and related subjects.