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Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds

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Course Summary

Explore the possibility of life beyond Earth with Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds course on Coursera.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the basic principles of astrobiology and the possibility of life beyond Earth
Discover the search for habitable planets and how to detect signs of life
Explore the ethical and social implications of discovering life beyond Earth

Learning Outcomes

Understand the basic principles of astrobiology
Explain the search for habitable planets and the methods of detecting signs of life
Analyze the ethical and social implications of discovering life beyond Earth

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics
Familiarity with the scientific method

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video lectures
Assignments
Quizzes

Similar Courses

Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Exoplanets
The Science of the Solar System

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Seth Shostak
Jill Tarter
David Grinspoon

Related Books

Description

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.

Outline

Planets in the Solar System and Beyond
Welcome to Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds
Introduction to Week 1 - Planets in the Solar System and Beyond
Exoplanets
Planet Formation
Planets and Moons
Our Solar System
Hot Jupiters and Planet Migration
Water Worlds
Census of Exoplanets in the Milky Way
Exoplanets
Planet Formation
Planets and Moons
Our Solar System
Hot Jupiters and Planet Migration
Water Worlds
Census of Exoplanets in the Milky Way

Hunting for Exoplanets
Introduction to Week 2 - Hunting for Exoplanets
Gravity and the Doppler shift
The Radial Velocity Method
The Transit Method
Learning from Observations
Planet Composition
Microlensing, Imaging & Selection Effects
Gravity and the Doppler shift
Radial Velocity Method
The Transit Method
Learning from Observations
Planet Composition
Microlensing, Imaging & Selection Effects

Habitability
Introduction to Week 3 - Habitability
Cosmic Chemistry
Essentials of Biological Life
Defining the Habitable Zone
The Lifetime of Stars
Stars & Exoplanets
Exoplanet Habitability
Cosmic Chemistry
Essentials of Biological Life
Defining the Habitable Zone
The Lifetime of Stars
Stars & Exoplanets
Exoplanet Habitability

Life
Introduction to Week 4 - Life
The Early Earth
The Atmosphere and Oceans
Defining Life
Early Life on Earth
Life at the Extreme
Habitable Moons
The Habitability of Mars
The Early Earth
The Atmosphere and Oceans
Defining Life
Early Life on Earth
Life at the Extreme
Habitable Moons
The Habitability of Mars

Emerging Complex Life and Intelligence
Introduction to Week 5 - Emerging Complex Life and Intelligence
The Emergence of Cellular Life
DNA & Genetics
Life in the Phanerozoic Eon
Evolution
Life on Earth
Genus Homo
The Emergence of Cellular Life
DNA & Genetics
Life in the Phanerozoic Eon
Evolution
Life on Earth
Genus Homo

SETI and Cosmic Companionship
Introduction to Module 6 - SETI and Cosmic Companionship
Civilizations & Culture
Scientific Revolution
Interstellar Communication
SETI
The Drake Equation
Interstellar Travel
Life as Computation
Exoplanet Mission Proposal - Overview
Civilizations & Culture
Scientific Revolution
Interstellar Communication
SETI
The Drake Equation
Interstellar Travel
Life as Computation
Exoplanet Candidate Maya-186
Exoplanet Candidate Shishen-4
Exoplanet Candidate Tusi-1250
Exoplanet Candidate Lockyer-2
Exoplanet Candidate Cannon-01
Exoplanet Candidate Rubin-70
Exoplanet Candidate Samos-270

Summary of User Reviews

This astrobiology course offers a fascinating exploration of the possibility of life beyond Earth. Users have praised the engaging lectures and thought-provoking discussions. One key aspect that many users thought was good is the comprehensive coverage of the topic, including the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging lectures
Comprehensive coverage of the topic
Thought-provoking discussions
Insightful assignments
Great introduction to astrobiology

Cons from User Reviews

Some technical difficulties
Lack of interaction with course instructors
Some lectures felt repetitive
Not enough focus on the chemistry of life
Some users felt the course was too basic

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