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
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(512 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 25 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
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Assessments
46 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 6 modules in this course
Students will learn about planet formation by examining our own solar system and how these basic principles apply to exoplanets (planets around other stars).
What's included
9 videos1 reading7 assignments
Students will learn about how astronomers look for planets around other stars, why it is so difficult to find them, and what we can learn about the properties of planets from each detection method.
What's included
7 videos6 assignments1 peer review
Students will learn about the features of stars and exoplanets that might promote the development of life outside of Earth.
What's included
7 videos6 assignments1 peer review
Students will learn about the biological history of Earth, how life can develop and thrive in extreme conditions, and where else in the universe life might exist.
What's included
8 videos7 assignments
Students will learn about the development of complex organisms on Earth and the biological processes that led to species evolving intelligence.
What's included
7 videos6 assignments1 peer review
Students will learn about the possibilities of finding intelligence species on other planets, and the challenges of interplanetary and interspecies communication and exploration.
What's included
9 videos14 assignments1 peer review
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Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.9 (261 ratings)
Offered by
Explore more from Physics and Astronomy
The University of Edinburgh
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Colorado Boulder
University of Arizona
University of Rochester
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4.9
512 reviews
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Showing 3 of 512
AB
5
Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025
the people on this course are very nice, and the peer reviewed assignments are truly amazing, the live q&a youtube sessions are so helpful and the discussion platforms are too
AN
5
Reviewed on Jan 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.
DD
5
Reviewed on Feb 15, 2021
This course has been an amazing experience. Although I would have loved to have classes just to get to know everyone and the professor, it was an insightful course that I would do all over again!
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