How do I become an astrobiologist? Part 1.

Lecture No. 33 in the 'Life in the Universe Pandemic Series', a set of short talks for individuals and families isolated at home in the pandemic who would like to learn about some of the interesting questions of our time: How did life begin? Are we alone in the Universe? Will we ever communicate with aliens? This lecture asks what it takes to become an astrobiologist with some career advice. It is the first of two lectures on this subject. I'm Charles Cockell, Professor of Astrobiology at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and I hope you'll enjoy these lectures whether you are in the pandemic or not. DISCLAIMER: Please DO NOT use these lectures as a scientific resource! I give them off the cuff without a script. They really are fireside chats. Although I try as hard as possible to be accurate in my facts as best as my feeble brain will allow, I take full responsibility for any inaccuracies. I hope they will stimulate some interest and thought, but I encourage you to go hunting for other sources of information as well if you want to follow up on these lectures!