Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds

Arizona approaches astrobiology through planets and the methods used to find them. The course moves from solar-system formation to detection techniques, habitability, the history of life and searches for intelligence. It suits learners who want to understand what can be inferred from a distant planet’s signal and where the limits of that inference lie.

What you will learn

• Compare methods used to detect exoplanets.
• Examine stellar and planetary habitability factors.
• Explore scientific questions about complex life and SETI.

Who this suits

Beginners interested in exoplanets and the scientific search for life, with no specific prerequisites listed by the provider.

Before you enroll

Compare an explanation with the observations supporting it and keep established findings separate from hypotheses. Research develops after a course is recorded, so check dates when following links to missions or discoveries. Workload is a provider estimate; calculations and software setup may require additional time.

Coursera offers paid enrollment or subscription access. Check the enrollment screen for assessment and certificate terms, trials and any financial-aid options. Provider access terms can change; review them before paying.

Put it into practice

Compare two exoplanet-detection methods. Explain which planetary properties each can constrain and why a detection alone does not establish a habitable surface.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 12 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

View the curriculum and current access options at Coursera.

How YellowCourse describes and checks learning resources.