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Chris Impey
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/n6x8r7/astrobiology
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What's inside
Syllabus
Planets in the Solar System and Beyond
Students will learn about planet formation by examining our own solar system and how these basic principles apply to exoplanets (planets around other stars).
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Syllabus
Planets in the Solar System and Beyond
Students will learn about planet formation by examining our own solar system and how these basic principles apply to exoplanets (planets around other stars).
Read more
Hunting for Exoplanets
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.
Habitability
Students will learn about the features of stars and exoplanets that might promote the development of life outside of Earth.
Life
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.
Emerging Complex Life and Intelligence
Students will learn about the development of complex organisms on Earth and the biological processes that led to species evolving intelligence.
SETI and Cosmic Companionship
Students will learn about the possibilities of finding intelligence species on other planets, and the challenges of interplanetary and interspecies communication and exploration.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Examines astrobiology, an emerging multidisciplinary field
Taught by renowned astrophysicist and science writer Chris Impey
Follows analyses of experts in chemistry, astronomy, geology, and archaeology to build a strong foundation of understanding
Provides a comprehensive study of the science of astrobiology and the search for life in the universe
Develops knowledge and skills necessary to identify habitable planets and assess the likelihood of life existing there
Course is accessible to learners with a general interest in science and astronomy
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Reviews summary
Astrobiology: exploring other worlds
Learners are largely positive about this course, saying it is well received and engaging. Led by Professor Chris Impey, students say this course is well structured and makes complex concepts easy to understand. Reviewers say assignments are thought-provoking and the peer review process is an excellent way to demonstrate understanding of the material. Students should expect to learn about the development of life, exoplanet discovery, habitable zones, and the implications of these discoveries for our understanding of the universe.
The course is challenging, but in a good way.
"I am very thankful to Professor Chris Impey and Coursera for this wonderful course."
"This course is packed with great information about planet formation, exoplanet discovery, and the development of life."
"This was a great course, lots to learn along the way."
"This course has surpassed my expectations. It covered an incredible array of topics related to Astrobiology"
The course is well organized and easy to follow.
"This was the first course I had taken in my life through coursera and I inexplicably enjoyed."
"This course really shows the multidisciplinary field that Astrobiology is in a clear way."
"This course has unsurpassed my expectations."
"It was an excellent course. I hope professor Impey and his team design other courses to continue this course at the intermediate and advanced level, and students becomes more familiar with astrobiology with more details."
Peer review is a great way to get feedback on your work and learn from others.
"The peer-reviewed assignments are an excellent way of showing understanding of the subject material."
"I would like the opportunity to be able to discuss and debate the choices for the last assignment with other course participants."
"This course really helped me to expand my knowledge in the fascinating subject of Astrobiology."
"Very stimulating course. We only touched briefly on the tidal locking boundary outside habitable zone problem."
Assignments are engaging and give students a chance to apply their learning.
"I found this course fascinating. It included a wide variety of topics when considering exploration of other worlds."
"I particularly liked having the opportunity to apply my new knowledge via the Exoplanet Mission Proposal final project."
"I have learnt many new things about our universe after doing this course and Sir Chris Impey really makes all the complex stuff easy for us."
"It is a very informative and brilliant course on a excellent and relatively new and interdisciplinary field of astrobiology"
Live Q&A sessions with Professor Impey are a great way to get your questions answered and learn more about the course material.
"I especially love podcast interviews by Professor Chris Impey with experts."
"This is one of the most exceptional courses on Coursera that I have attended."
"The biggest plus for me on this course was the fact that the course gives rather concise info per subject per week, but through the peer-reviewed writing assignments you really have to the think beyond the material and tie things together yourself."
"Professor Impey and his team do an outstanding job of making an already fascinating topic such as astrobiology, a joy to learn."
Professor Impey is a great teacher who makes difficult material accessible.
"Professor Impey has put together another interesting, informative course!"
"Professor Impey has a way of explaining things that makes it all seem simple."
"I almost want to retake it!"
"This course was wonderful! Dr. Impey successfully integrated Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Geochemistry, Astronomy, Biochemistry and a bit of Philosophy into a unified course."
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 Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds with these
activities:
Review prerequisite math
Show steps
Review prerequisite math skills to ensure a strong foundation for course materials.
Browse courses on
Math
Show steps
-
Identify areas of weakness
-
Practice solving problems related to weak areas
-
Seek additional support if needed
Develop critical reading skills
Show steps
Enhance critical reading skills to improve comprehension and analysis of course materials.
Browse courses on
Critical Reading
Show steps
-
Read challenging texts
-
Identify main ideas and supporting evidence
-
Evaluate arguments and claims
-
Practice summarizing and paraphrasing
-
Seek feedback on reading comprehension
Explore online resources on astrobiology
Show steps
Expand knowledge of astrobiology through guided tutorials and online resources.
Browse courses on
Astrobiology
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online resources
-
Follow tutorials on specific topics
-
Engage in online discussions
-
Share findings with peers
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend an astrobiology workshop
Show steps
Enhance understanding of astrobiology through interactive workshops conducted by experts in the field.
Browse courses on
Astrobiology
Show steps
-
Identify relevant astrobiology workshops
-
Attend the workshop and participate actively
-
Engage in discussions with experts and peers
-
Apply knowledge gained from the workshop to course materials
Write a summary of a scientific paper
Show steps
Improve scientific writing skills by summarizing a research paper related to astrobiology.
Browse courses on
Scientific Writing
Show steps
-
Choose a relevant paper
-
Read and understand the paper
-
Identify key points and supporting evidence
-
Write a concise and accurate summary
-
Review and edit the summary
Compile a database of exoplanet data
Show steps
Enhance research skills by compiling a comprehensive database of exoplanet data from various sources.
Browse courses on
Exoplanets
Show steps
-
Identify relevant exoplanet data sources
-
Extract and organize data into a structured format
-
Design and implement a database to store the data
-
Validate and verify the accuracy of the data
-
Make the database available for use by others
Create a model of an exoplanetary system
Show steps
Deepen understanding of exoplanetary systems by creating a model that simulates their properties and behaviors.
Browse courses on
Exoplanets
Show steps
-
Research different exoplanetary systems
-
Design a model that represents the system
-
Implement the model using appropriate tools
-
Test and refine the model
-
Present the model and findings
Review prerequisite math
Show steps
Review prerequisite math skills to ensure a strong foundation for course materials.
Browse courses on
Math
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify areas of weakness
- Practice solving problems related to weak areas
- Seek additional support if needed
Develop critical reading skills
Show steps
Enhance critical reading skills to improve comprehension and analysis of course materials.
Browse courses on
Critical Reading
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read challenging texts
- Identify main ideas and supporting evidence
- Evaluate arguments and claims
- Practice summarizing and paraphrasing
- Seek feedback on reading comprehension
Explore online resources on astrobiology
Show steps
Expand knowledge of astrobiology through guided tutorials and online resources.
Browse courses on
Astrobiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online resources
- Follow tutorials on specific topics
- Engage in online discussions
- Share findings with peers
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend an astrobiology workshop
Show steps
Enhance understanding of astrobiology through interactive workshops conducted by experts in the field.
Browse courses on
Astrobiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant astrobiology workshops
- Attend the workshop and participate actively
- Engage in discussions with experts and peers
- Apply knowledge gained from the workshop to course materials
Write a summary of a scientific paper
Show steps
Improve scientific writing skills by summarizing a research paper related to astrobiology.
Browse courses on
Scientific Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a relevant paper
- Read and understand the paper
- Identify key points and supporting evidence
- Write a concise and accurate summary
- Review and edit the summary
Compile a database of exoplanet data
Show steps
Enhance research skills by compiling a comprehensive database of exoplanet data from various sources.
Browse courses on
Exoplanets
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant exoplanet data sources
- Extract and organize data into a structured format
- Design and implement a database to store the data
- Validate and verify the accuracy of the data
- Make the database available for use by others
Create a model of an exoplanetary system
Show steps
Deepen understanding of exoplanetary systems by creating a model that simulates their properties and behaviors.
Browse courses on
Exoplanets
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different exoplanetary systems
- Design a model that represents the system
- Implement the model using appropriate tools
- Test and refine the model
- Present the model and findings
Career center
Learners who complete Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Astrobiologist
Astrobiologist
Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary field that explores the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe. An Astrobiologist studies the potential for life on other planets and moons, and investigates the conditions necessary for life to arise and thrive. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the field of astrobiology. You will learn about the latest discoveries in exoplanet research, the chemistry of life, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).
Astronomer
Astronomer
Astronomy is the study of celestial objects and phenomena. Astronomers use telescopes and other instruments to observe and analyze the universe. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the field of astronomy. You will learn about the different types of stars and planets, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and the latest discoveries in cosmology.
Geologist
Geologist
Geology is the study of the Earth's physical structure and history. Geologists study the rocks, minerals, and fossils that make up the Earth's crust. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the field of geology. You will learn about the different types of rocks and minerals, the formation and evolution of the Earth's crust, and the latest discoveries in geophysics.
Biologist
Biologist
Biology is the study of life. Biologists study the structure, function, and development of living organisms. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the field of biology. You will learn about the different types of living organisms, the evolution of life, and the latest discoveries in genetics and molecular biology.
Physicist
Physicist
Physics is the study of matter and energy. Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature and how they apply to the universe. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the field of physics. You will learn about the different types of matter and energy, the laws of motion, and the latest discoveries in quantum mechanics and relativity.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science writing is the communication of scientific information to a general audience. Science writers work for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the field of science writing. You will learn how to write clear and concise scientific articles, how to interview scientists, and how to use social media to promote your work.
Science Educator
Science Educator
Science educators teach science to students of all ages. They work in schools, museums, science centers, and other educational settings. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the field of science education. You will learn about the different methods of teaching science, how to develop lesson plans, and how to assess student learning.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. They work for a variety of industries, including software, engineering, and manufacturing. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the field of technical writing. You will learn how to write clear and concise technical documents, how to use graphics and illustrations, and how to meet the needs of your audience.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorney
Patent attorneys help inventors protect their intellectual property. They file patent applications, prosecute patents, and defend patents in court. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the field of patent law. You will learn about the different types of patents, the patent application process, and the legal issues involved in patent litigation.
Science Policy Analyst
Science Policy Analyst
Science policy analysts develop and evaluate policies that affect science and technology. They work for government agencies, think tanks, and other organizations. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the field of science policy. You will learn about the different types of science policies, the policy-making process, and the ethical issues involved in science policy.
Science Librarian
Science Librarian
Science librarians help users find and access scientific information. They work in libraries, universities, and other research institutions. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the field of science librarianship. You will learn about the different types of scientific information, how to search for scientific information, and how to provide reference services to scientists and researchers.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/n6x8r7/astrobiology
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds.
Save
Argues that the conditions necessary for intelligent life to arise are extremely rare, offering an alternative perspective to the assumption that others like us are common in the universe.
Save
This textbook comprehensive guide to the field of exoplanets. It is more valuable as supplementary reading than a primary textbook.
Save
Discusses the conditions necessary for complex life to evolve and argues that Earth is likely a rare planet in the universe. It provides additional depth to the course's discussion of habitability.
This comprehensive book examines the plausibility of life beyond Earth and explores the environmental and astrophysical conditions that would be necessary to support the evolution and flourishing of life in the universe.
Save
This classic discusses our place in the cosmic hierarchy, the potential for panspermia and life beyond Earth, and offers a philosophical perspective on astronomy and our place in the universe.
Save
Explores the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and the challenges of interstellar communication. It complements the course's discussion of SETI and cosmic companionship.
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of exoplanets. It valuable reference tool for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
The author of this book scientist and science educator and this book presents a thorough examination of the possibilities of extraterrestrial life, encompassing the origins of life, the search for life in the Solar System, and the possibilities of life beyond our own galaxy.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the planets in our solar system. It can be used as background reading for the course's discussion of planets in the solar system.
May appear to be an aside from the subject of astrobiology, but provides valuable information regarding the nature of biology itself and offers unique insights into the ways that biological organisms interact with their environments, offering an important reference point for understanding the kinds of life scientists may encounter in the universe.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/n6x8r7/astrobiology
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Introductory
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University of Arizona
Instructor
Chris Impey
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English
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Good to know
Examines astrobiology, an emerging multidisciplinary field
Taught by renowned astrophysicist and science writer Chris Impey
Follows analyses of experts in chemistry, astronomy, geology, and archaeology to build a strong foundation of understanding
Provides a comprehensive study of the science of astrobiology and the search for life in the universe
Develops knowledge and skills necessary to identify habitable planets and assess the likelihood of life existing there
Course is accessible to learners with a general interest in science and astronomy
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