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.
Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds
University of ArizonaAbout this Course
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Beginner Level
Approx. 28 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 28 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
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.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
3 hours to complete
Planets in the Solar System and Beyond
3 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 132 min)
9 videos
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
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
5 hours to complete
Hunting for Exoplanets
5 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 76 min)
7 videos
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
5 hours to complete
Habitability
5 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 96 min)
7 videos
Cosmic Chemistry18m
Essentials of Biological Life17m
Defining the Habitable Zone17m
The Lifetime of Stars14m
Stars & Exoplanets10m
Exoplanet Habitability15m
6 practice exercises
Cosmic Chemistry10m
Essentials of Biological Life20m
Defining the Habitable Zone10m
The Lifetime of Stars15m
Stars & Exoplanets15m
Exoplanet Habitability20m
3 hours to complete
Life
3 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 107 min)
8 videos
The Early Earth16m
The Atmosphere and Oceans12m
Defining Life17m
Early Life on Earth15m
Life at the Extreme15m
Habitable Moons15m
The Habitability of Mars11m
7 practice exercises
The Early Earth20m
The Atmosphere and Oceans10m
Defining Life20m
Early Life on Earth15m
Life at the Extreme10m
Habitable Moons15m
The Habitability of Mars10m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM ASTROBIOLOGY: EXPLORING OTHER WORLDS
by BPJul 2, 2020
This is my first course in coursera. The material and explanation given by the instructor was awesome. I really learned a lot. Peer graded assingments really helped me to knew the concept very well.
by VKMay 26, 2020
I loved this course, especially the peer-reviewed assignments, it was really exciting to write those assignments and review others, which gave me understanding of how other people thinks
by AKMay 10, 2020
One of the best Astronomy theme modular course that I have seen. With many assignments and quizzes, this module certainly worth enrolling. The notes, videos are really awesome !
by RDJun 10, 2020
I have absolutely enjoyed this course throughout. It's given me a lot of knowledge and hats off the Prof. Chris Impey for teaching in such an interesting way.
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