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Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

Approx. 11 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Explore the search for life beyond Earth and the impact of discovering it. Learn about the latest scientific advances and the key challenges facing astrobiology.

Key Learning Points

Understand the fundamental principles of astrobiology
Explore the history and evolution of life on Earth
Investigate the search for life beyond our planet

Learning Outcomes

Understand the fundamental principles of astrobiology
Explore the history and evolution of life on Earth
Investigate the search for life beyond our planet

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of biology and astronomy
Interest in the search for extraterrestrial life

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video lectures
Assignments

Similar Courses

Alien Worlds: The Science of Exoplanet Discovery and Characterization
The Science of the Solar System
Introduction to Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Sara Seager
David Grinspoon

Related Books

Description

Learn about the origin and evolution of life and the search for life beyond the Earth.

Outline

Life and Its Origins
Welcome
Introduction
History of Astrobiology
What is Life?
Life on Earth
Structure of Life: Building Blocks
Structure of LIfe: Cells
Origins of Life: Building Blocks
Origins of Life: Location
Origins of Life: Alternative Chemistries
Introduction and History of Astrobiology
Life: The Basics
Origins of Life

Life on Earth
Formation of the Solar System
Conditions on the Early Earth
Evidence of Early Life
The Tree of Life
Life in Extreme Environments
The Rise of Multicellularity
The Great Oxidation Event
Life on the Early Earth
Life Through Time

Habitable Environments Elsewhere in our Solar System?
What Makes a Planet Habitable?
The Search for Life on Mars
Mars as a Location for Life
Could We All be Martians?
Europa
Enceladus
Other Icy Bodies
The Habitability of Mars
Life and Icy Bodies

The Search for Habitable Exoplanets
Methods
Types of Planets
Biosignatures of Life in Exoplanet Atmospheres
How to Look for Biosignatures
Missions to Search for Biosignatures
The Search for Exoplanets
Biosignatures on Exoplanets

Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Is There Anybody Out There?
Contacting Extraterrestrial Civilizations
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
The Social Dimension
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Societal Implications of Contact with ET

Summary of User Reviews

Astrobiology is a fascinating course that explores the possibility of life in the universe. Users have praised the course for its engaging content, knowledgeable instructors, and useful resources. One key aspect that many users thought was good is the emphasis on interdisciplinary learning which helped them gain a deeper understanding of the subject.