This module begins with a description of the physical conditions necessary for the evolution of life in a universe. It gives an introduction to the physical principles that underpin the organisation and activity of living things including aspects of evolution and ecology. It also gives an introduction to current thinking of how life evolved on earth and of the sensitivity of the biosphere to changes in the earth’s orbit and the composition of its atmosphere. It will provide physical insight into the drivers of climate change, the loss of biodiversity, the origin of disease and the spread of bacterial resistant to antibiotics.