Our Place in the Cosmos from Coursera

Come aboard! If you decide to take this course, you will expand your horizon of what is possible for you in the cosmos. In Course 1 (Our Place in the Cosmos) of this four course specialization, there are 39 learning objectives spread out over 4 weeks and 10 lessons.

Week 1 - You will learn about the course and the specialization as a whole as well as the method used to guide you through the material. You will also get to meet the crew of the USS Pathway to Space. As your instructor and captain, I will create a unique and hopefully fun learning environment full of surprises and moments of connection with the material. We will also discuss how wonder started it all with our first guest, Dr. Valerio Ferme with Space and Wonder.

Week 2 - We have two topics and two guests this week. In A Tour of the Cosmos, with Dr. Erica Ellingson, we will guide you through all the grandeur of the cosmos from the size and scale to the timeline of its existence. In Astrophysics, with Dr. Kevin France, we will explore concept and merger of two great fields of study: Astronomy and Physics. The tools used by an astrophysicists are key to unlocking the cosmos. At the end of this week, you will have a better understanding of the cosmos and your place in it.

Week 3 - Space exploration can happen in two ways. By viewing there and going there. This week we will explore both methods. Our first lesson is with Dr. Paul Hayne and Dr. Carolyn Crow on Space Exploration-Going There. We will look at the stages of exploration and how the science changes at each point. Next, we will meet Dr. Kristy Tiampo as we discuss Space Exploration-Viewing There. We will dive deep into remote sensing work around Earth and how that technique of viewing can be applied throughout the cosmos.

Week 4 - This week, we will discuss some of the great science being conducted in the cosmos as well as our species search life elsewhere in the universe. We have three lessons this week. The first two are in two parts. Extending Science Beyond Earth. In Part 1, we meet Dr. Nick Schneider and discuss how the different wavelengths of light have allowed us to understand other planets like Mars but also Earth. In Part 2, we meet Dr. Dave Brain and discuss what we have learned about other planets in our solar system and compare those discoveries with our home planet. We will end with the Search for Life Elsewhere where our guest, Dr. Bruce Jakosky, and I discuss what is needed for life in the cosmos and where we might find it.

In these lessons, you will become a member of the crew of the USS Pathway to Space and together we will make the unknown, known. Your journey to discovering your pathway to space begins now.

What's inside

Syllabus

Specialization and Course Overview

Chris Koehler welcomes you aboard the USS Pathway to Space and introduces you to the format, the four courses, the five goals, 146 learning objectives, the crew, and the ship.

Space and Wonder

Chris and Dr. Valerio Ferme explore the inextricable connection with space and wonder to our journey to make sense of our existence and place in the cosmos.

A Tour of the Cosmos

Chris and Dr. Erica Ellingson (CUB) take a tour of the Solar System and universe from the perspectives of size, scale and time. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

Astrophysics

Chris and Dr. Kevin France (CUB/LASP) perform a basic overview of astrophysics and the tools used, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, to understand the cosmos and our place in it. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder] [LASP = Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics]

Space Exploration: Going There

Chris, Dr. Paul Hayne (CUB/LASP), and Dr. Carolyn Crow (CUB) discuss discovering the cosmos through spacecraft missions that Go There, such as Apollo, New Horizons, and Juno. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder] [LASP = Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics]

Space Exploration: Viewing There

Chris and Dr. Kristy Tiampo (CUB) discuss the study of Earth’s environment and other objects in the cosmos through remote sensing from space. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder]

Extending Science Beyond Earth - Part 1

Chris and Dr. Nick Schneider (CUB/LASP) discuss how remote sensing techniques used to study the Earth, along with spectroscopy, are applied to our solar system and beyond. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder] [LASP = Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics]

Extending Science Beyond Earth - Part 2

Chris and Dr. Dave Brain (CUB/LASP) discuss understanding Earth’s climate and environment through the comparison and study of other planets in our solar system. [CUB = University of Colorado Boulder] [LASP = Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics]

The Search for Life Elsewhere

Chris and Dr. Bruce Jakosky (LASP) perform a geological discussion of whether there could be life on other planets or moons in our solar system, or on any of the planets recently discovered orbiting other stars. [LASP = Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics]

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to astrophysics, the study of the universe and everything in it

Provides a comprehensive overview of space exploration

Helps learners understand their place in the universe

Requires no prior knowledge of astronomy or physics

Can be applied to a variety of fields, including science, engineering, and education

Taught by experts in the field of space exploration

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Our Place in the Cosmos with these activities:

Review key concepts from high school physics and astronomy

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Reviewing key concepts from high school physics and astronomy will refresh your memory and provide a solid foundation for understanding the advanced topics covered in the course.

Browse courses on Physics

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Go over your high school physics and astronomy notes or textbooks.
Focus on reviewing concepts related to motion, energy, gravity, and the properties of light.
Solve practice problems to test your understanding.

Review the scale of the Universe

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Reviewing the scale of the Universe will provide a foundation for understanding the topics covered in the course, such as the size and age of the Universe and our place within it.

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Read articles or watch videos about the scale of the Universe.
Use online tools or apps to explore the size and distances of celestial objects.
Compare the sizes of different celestial objects, such as stars, planets, and galaxies.

Attend a conference or webinar on astrophysics or space exploration

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Attending a conference or webinar will expose you to cutting-edge research and advancements in the field, enabling you to connect with experts and expand your knowledge.

Browse courses on Astrophysics

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Find a relevant conference or webinar that aligns with your interests.
Register for the event and attend the sessions.
Take notes and engage in discussions with other attendees.

Five other activities

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Practice solving astrophysics problems

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Solving astrophysics problems will help you apply the concepts and techniques covered in the course to real-world scenarios, improving your understanding and problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Astrophysics

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Find practice problems in textbooks or online resources.
Work through the problems step-by-step, using the concepts you have learned in the course.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

Follow online tutorials on astrophysics simulations

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Following online tutorials on astrophysics simulations will allow you to visualize and interact with complex astrophysical phenomena, enhancing your understanding and intuition.

Browse courses on Astrophysics

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Find online tutorials that provide interactive simulations of astrophysical phenomena.
Follow the instructions in the tutorials and explore the simulations.
Observe the results of the simulations and draw conclusions.

Participate in a citizen science project related to space exploration or astronomy

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Participating in a citizen science project will allow you to contribute to real-world scientific research while applying the concepts you learn in the course.

Browse courses on Space Exploration

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Find a citizen science project that aligns with your interests.
Register for the project and follow the instructions provided.
Collect data or perform tasks as required by the project.

Read and summarize a book on cosmology

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Reading a book on cosmology will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the field and help you connect the concepts covered in the course to a broader context.

View Contact: A Novel on Amazon

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Choose a book on cosmology that aligns with your interests.
Read the book attentively, taking notes on key concepts and ideas.
Summarize the main points of the book in your own words.

Develop a presentation on a specific topic in space exploration

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Developing a presentation will allow you to delve deeply into a specific topic in space exploration and share your knowledge with others, consolidating your understanding and improving your communication skills.

Browse courses on Space Exploration

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Choose a specific topic in space exploration that you are interested in.
Research the topic thoroughly, gathering information from credible sources.
Organize your findings into a logical presentation structure.
Create visual aids to support your presentation.
Practice your presentation and deliver it to an audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Our Place in the Cosmos will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Astrobiologist

An Astrobiologist studies the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. This role often involves working with teams to find and analyze data from space missions that are searching for signs of life beyond Earth. Our Place in the Cosmos can be very helpful by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the cosmos, including topics such as the history of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the search for life beyond Earth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astrobiologist

Science Teacher

A Science Teacher teaches science to students in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, and nature centers. This role often involves developing and delivering lesson plans, and providing guidance to students on science projects. Our Place in the Cosmos can be very helpful by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the cosmos, including topics such as the history of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the search for life beyond Earth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Astrophysicist

An Astrophysicist studies the physical properties of celestial objects and the laws that govern them. This role often involves using telescopes and other instruments to collect data on stars, planets, galaxies, and other objects in space. Our Place in the Cosmos may be helpful by providing you with a foundation in astrophysics, including topics such as the history of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the search for life beyond Earth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astrophysicist

Astronomer

An Astronomer studies the universe beyond Earth. This role often involves observing and analyzing data from telescopes and other instruments to learn more about stars, planets, galaxies, and other objects in space. Our Place in the Cosmos may be helpful by providing you with a foundation in astronomy, including topics such as the history of the universe, the formation of stars and planets, and the search for life beyond Earth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astronomer

Writer

A Writer creates written content for a variety of purposes, including books, articles, and scripts. This role often involves researching and writing about a variety of topics. Our Place in the Cosmos may be helpful in this role by providing a broader understanding of the universe and its history, which can be useful for writing about science and space-related topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Physicist

A Physicist studies the fundamental laws of nature and the physical properties of matter. This role often involves conducting experiments and analyzing data to learn more about the universe. Our Place in the Cosmos may be helpful in this role by providing a broader understanding of the physical laws that govern the universe.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physicist

Geologist

A Geologist studies the Earth's physical structure and history. This role often involves studying rocks, minerals, and fossils to learn more about the Earth's history and evolution. Our Place in the Cosmos may be helpful in this role by providing a broader understanding of the Earth's place in the universe and its history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Paleontologist

A Paleontologist studies the history of life on Earth through the fossil record. This role often involves excavating and analyzing fossils to learn more about the evolution of life. Our Place in the Cosmos may be helpful in this role by providing a broader understanding of the history of life on Earth and its place in the universe.

See salaries and explore the career path for Paleontologist

Meteorologist

A Meteorologist studies the atmosphere and predicts weather patterns. This role often involves collecting and analyzing data from weather stations and satellites to forecast weather conditions. Our Place in the Cosmos may be helpful in this role by providing a broader understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and its place in the universe.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist

Museum curator

A Museum Curator manages and preserves museum collections and exhibits. This role often involves researching and writing about museum collections, and providing educational programs for visitors. Our Place in the Cosmos may be helpful in this role by providing a broader understanding of the history of science and the universe.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Oceanographer

An Oceanographer studies the world's oceans and their ecosystems. This role often involves collecting and analyzing data from oceanographic expeditions to learn more about the ocean's physical, chemical, and biological properties. Our Place in the Cosmos may be helpful in this role by providing a broader understanding of the Earth's oceans and their place in the universe.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Cosmetologist

A Cosmetologist provides beauty treatments to clients, including hair styling, skin care, and makeup application. This role often involves working with clients to achieve their desired look and providing advice on hair care and skin care. Our Place in the Cosmos is unlikely to be useful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cosmetologist

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. This role often involves working with teams to create software products that meet the needs of users. Our Place in the Cosmos is unlikely to be useful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Librarian

A Librarian organizes and manages library resources and provides assistance to patrons. This role often involves helping patrons find books and other resources, and providing guidance on research topics. Our Place in the Cosmos is unlikely to be useful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make informed decisions. This role often involves using statistical methods to analyze data and draw conclusions. Our Place in the Cosmos is unlikely to be useful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician