4.9
stars
402 ratings

Chris Impey

25,115 already enrolled

Offered By

Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds

University of Arizona

About this Course

33,119 recent views

How are astronomers approaching their search for life in the universe? What have we learned from the surge of exoplanets discoveries? How likely is it that Earth does not host the only life in the Universe? In this course we explore the field of astrobiology, an emerging multidisciplinary field. Progress in astrobiology is driven by telescopes on the ground and in space, and by new insights on how life emerged on Earth and its diversity. The topics in this course range from the science of how exoplanets are detected, to the chemistry that supports the argument that the ingredients for life are common in the Universe.  
We will follow the analyses of experts in chemistry, astronomy, geology and archaeology to build a strong foundation of understanding.  By the final assignment, students will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to identify what makes a planet habitable, and how likely it is that life exists there. Students will graduate from this course informed about one of the most exciting fields in all of science, and ready to discuss the current exoplanet news stories and discoveries.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 24 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 24 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.91/5 (206 Ratings)

Chris Impey

Distinguished Professor

Astronomy

223,333 Learners

3 Courses

Offered by

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is the state’s land-grant university and a member of the Association of American Universities—made up of just 62 universities in the country. As one of the world’s premier public research universities, the university conducts more than $625 million of research annually. Home to two allopathic medical schools in Tucson and Phoenix, the UA Tech Park, and a member of the Arizona Space Grant Consortium, the university creates an $8.3 billion economic impact for Arizona. U.S. News and World Report placed 14 University of Arizona graduate programs among the top 20 in the nation and it is one of the nation’s top producers of Fulbright Scholars. With its strategic academic and business plan, “Never Settle,” as its guide, the university is producing graduates who are global citizens, engaged leaders, and fulfilled individuals.

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating96%(3,052 ratings)

Week

Week 1

4 hours to complete

Planets in the Solar System and Beyond

4 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 132 min), 1 reading, 7 quizzes

9 videos

Welcome to Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds2m

Introduction to Week 1 - Planets in the Solar System and Beyond3m

Exoplanets21m

Planet Formation19m

Planets and Moons16m

Our Solar System13m

Hot Jupiters and Planet Migration17m

Water Worlds18m

Census of Exoplanets in the Milky Way19m

1 reading

Course Participation and Motivation Survey10m

7 practice exercises

Exoplanets15m

Planet Formation10m

Planets and Moons10m

Our Solar System10m

Hot Jupiters and Planet Migration10m

Water Worlds10m

Census of Exoplanets in the Milky Way10m

Week

Week 2

4 hours to complete

Hunting for Exoplanets

4 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 76 min)

7 videos

Introduction to Week 2 - Hunting for Exoplanets1m

Gravity and the Doppler shift13m

The Radial Velocity Method15m

The Transit Method12m

Learning from Observations8m

Planet Composition8m

Microlensing, Imaging & Selection Effects16m

6 practice exercises

Gravity and the Doppler shift20m

Radial Velocity Method20m

The Transit Method15m

Learning from Observations10m

Planet Composition15m

Microlensing, Imaging & Selection Effects15m

Week

Week 3

4 hours to complete

Habitability

4 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 96 min)

Week

Week 4

3 hours to complete

Life

3 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 107 min)

Reviews

4.9

164 reviews

5 stars
92.53%
4 stars
5.47%
3 stars
0.49%
1 star
1.49%

TOP REVIEWS FROM ASTROBIOLOGY: EXPLORING OTHER WORLDS

by MHMay 21, 2020

You can get much more than the basics and yet you will still understand everything is said even without prior knowledge in any scientific domain.

by ANJan 19, 2022

Dense, clear and well explained content. This course also propose a multi-disciplinary view of the subject that raises a lot of questions, and a lot of interest in side areas.

by DBSep 22, 2022

I really enjoyed the course. For me it was the right combination of real life information and data that pushed your thinking and thought processes without making it too difficult to grasp.

by PSSep 18, 2020

Nice course. Glad I enrolled and completed. For those who are interested in aliens and exoplanets beyond stories and movies, the course is highly recommended.

View all reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Build employee skills, drive business results

Discover Coursera for Business

Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds

Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds

About this Course