Track 1. Astrobiology:

Astrobiology also called exobiology, a multidisciplinary field dealing with the nature, existence, and search for extraterrestrial life beyond Earth. Astrobiology encompasses areas of chemistry, biology, astronomy, geology, atmospheric science, oceanography and aeronautical engineering.

Track 2. Geobiology:

Geobiology is the study of how physical, chemical and biological processes influence each other in natural systems.  Geobiology research can focus on modern environments, as well as explore how the planet and life have co-evolved through major geologic and evolutionary events over the course of Earth’s history. Geobiology employs molecular biology, environmental microbiology, chemical analyses, and the geologic record to investigate the evolutionary interconnectedness of life and Earth.

Track 3. Biophysics:

Biophysics, discipline concerned with the application of the principles and methods of physics and the other physical sciences to the solution of biological problems with the ultimate goal of understanding at a fundamental level the structure, dynamics, interactions, and ultimately the function of biological systems. Biophysics is relevant to medicine, and many biophysicists direct their investigations towards biomolecules that play a key role in disease.

Track 4. Physical Cosmology:

Physical cosmology, as a branch of astrophysics, is the study of the large-scale structure of the universe and is concerned with fundamental questions about its formation and evolution. Cosmology draws heavily on the work of many disparate areas of research in physics. Areas relevant to cosmology include particle physics experiments and particle physics phenomenology theory, including string theory, astrophysics, general relativity, and plasma physics.

Track 5. Atmospheric Science:

Atmospheric science, interdisciplinary field of study that combines the components of physics and chemistry that focus on the structure and dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere. The atmospheric sciences are traditionally divided into three topical areas:

• Meteorology
• Climatology
• Aeronomy

Track 6. Aerospace Engineering:

Aerospace engineering, field of engineering concerned with the design, development, construction, testing, and operation of vehicles operating in the Earth’s atmosphere or in outer space. The field has traditionally focused on problems related to atmospheric and space flight, with two major and overlapping branches:

• Aeronautical Engineering focuses on the theory, technology, and practice of flight within the earth’s atmosphere.

Astronautical Engineering focuses on the science and technology of spacecraft and launch vehicles.