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University of Arizona

Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds

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. Materials for this course were developed by Dr. Chris Impey, Professor of Astronomy, Xana Riabokin, Instructional Designer, and Matthew Wenger, Education Program Manager.

Status: Scientific Methods
Status: Research
BeginnerCourse25 hours

Featured reviews

RD

5.0Reviewed Jun 11, 2020

I have absolutely enjoyed this course throughout. It's given me a lot of knowledge and hats off the Prof. Chris Impey for teaching in such an interesting way.

MR

5.0Reviewed Mar 7, 2025

Outstanding and lucid overview of astrobiology. Comprehensive and thought provoking, with quizzes and projects that reinforce learning. Exactly what I hoped it would be. Highly recommend.

DB

5.0Reviewed Sep 23, 2022

I​ really enjoyed the course. For me it was the right combination of real life information and data that pushed your thinking and thought processes without making it too difficult to grasp.

PS

5.0Reviewed Sep 19, 2020

Nice course. Glad I enrolled and completed. For those who are interested in aliens and exoplanets beyond stories and movies, the course is highly recommended.

PB

5.0Reviewed May 4, 2021

Excellent course Chris Impey is a wonderful engaging tutor. Have completed both his courses offered through University of Arizona and am currently reading his first book. First class!!!

TD

5.0Reviewed Mar 19, 2020

Excellent course! Really useful and interesting materials, as well as very good tasks. After this course I really began to understand the basics of astrobiology.

KA

5.0Reviewed May 11, 2020

One of the best Astronomy theme modular course that I have seen. With many assignments and quizzes, this module certainly worth enrolling. The notes, videos are really awesome !

JC

5.0Reviewed Feb 27, 2023

What a great course! The lecture style was really effective, the assignments were challenging but fun, and I learned so much about planets and life in the universe. Can we get a second course??

BP

5.0Reviewed Jul 3, 2020

This is my first course in coursera. The material and explanation given by the instructor was awesome. I really learned a lot. Peer graded assingments really helped me to knew the concept very well.

DD

5.0Reviewed Feb 16, 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!

BR

5.0Reviewed Oct 25, 2022

​very informative, halps me understand the scope of how life works notnonly on Earth but perhaps elsewhere in the iniverse as well. Makes me excited anout discoveries to come.

CT

5.0Reviewed Mar 5, 2021

I enjoyed this course so much, I'm actually really sad It has ended. I love how well developed it is, the peer marked assignments are a fun way to apply what you've learned.

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