Some of the most exciting questions of modern science are how life originated on our planet and if the life is possible on other planets. The course Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life aims to answer those questions.

What is astrobiology?

Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary science that is connected to fields as diverse as astrophysics, biology, geosciences and chemistry.

What is this course on astrobiology about?

The course Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life is an introduction to astrobiology. It focuses on a range of curious questions about life on the Earth and the possibility of life on other planets. It tells you how the life on our planet evolved during its history and how it survives in the most extreme conditions, such as volcanic environment or the depth of the ocean. The instructor for the course, Professor of Astrobiology, Charles Cockell, explains to you how astronomers can search for life on other planets, and what instruments they would need for that.

What does the course Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life include?

This is a self-paced course, which means you can take it whenever you want and move through the material at a time comfortable for you.

During the course Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life you will learn about

• the current hypotheses for how the life originated on the Earth
• the environment of early life on the Earth
• the major evolutionary transitions of life on the Earth
• the conditions that are required for a planet to be habitable
• the ways to search for Earth-like planets
• the possibilities of intelligent life elsewhere
• the impact that an extraterrestrial contact would have on society

What did other students think about the course?

Students found the course Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life wonderful, educational and entertaining. They said that the course was well organized and well structured. They also praised the work of the instructor saying that Charles Cockell is a “natural” educator. They recommend the course for everybody with an interest in astrobiology.

How can I learn more about this course on astrobiology?

You can watch the introduction video for the course.

 

How do I enroll in the course Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life?

Go to the course page and start learning whenever you want to.