Learn about the origin and evolution of life and the search for life beyond the Earth.
Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Instructor: Charles Cockell
91,301 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(2,660 reviews)
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
5 quizzes, 6 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 5 modules in this course
What is life and what are the definitions of life? What do we know about the origin of life and what are the current hypotheses for how it originated on the Earth?
What's included
10 videos1 quiz2 assignments
What was the environment of early Earth like when life first emerged and what do we know about life on the earliest Earth? How did life evolve to cope with survival in extreme environments? What have been the major evolutionary transitions of life on the Earth?
What's included
7 videos1 quiz1 assignment
What are the prospects for life on other planetary bodies in our Solar System and how do we go about searching for it? What conditions are required for a planet to be habitable?
What's included
7 videos2 quizzes
How do we search for Earth-like planets orbiting distant stars and how would we detect life on them?
What's included
5 videos2 assignments
What are the possibilities for intelligent life elsewhere? How would we deal with contact with an extraterrestrial intelligence and what would be the impact on society? Who would represent Earth?
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 quiz1 assignment
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.9 (581 ratings)Offered by
Explore more from Physics and Astronomy
Status: PreviewUniversity of Arizona
Status: Free TrialDartmouth College
Status: PreviewUniversity of Arizona
Status: PreviewUniversity of Leeds
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.8
2,660 reviews
- 5 stars
81.38%
- 4 stars
16.17%
- 3 stars
1.88%
- 2 stars
0.30%
- 1 star
0.26%
Showing 3 of 2660
MP
5
Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
From a non biological science background perspective-->Explained nicely, got to know new things which is totally different from the fiction portrayed by media and other sources.
AH
5
Reviewed on Jan 17, 2016
Great course, Charles does a great job teaching the course! opens up the possibilities of the origins of life and other possible life in our solar system and universe. thanks to Coursera.
PA
5
Reviewed on May 4, 2020
Amazing course, very interesting topic and was delivered in a clear and concise way, I really enjoyed it and will definitely be looking at other courses from Professor Charle Cockell.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.
More questions
Financial aid available,