Astrobiology Courses and Certifications

New Search Methods for Primitive and Intelligent Life Beyond Earth

Explore novel techniques for detecting primitive and intelligent life beyond Earth, from our solar system to distant stars, and discuss the implications for our cosmic understanding.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 29 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Icy bodies: Europa and elsewhere

1 rating at OpenLearn

The new discipline of astrobiology that is, the science of searching for extraterrestrial life, is not only rapdly growing, but has also captured the public imagination. This free course, Icy ...

• OpenLearn
• 17 hours
• On-Demand
• Free Certificate

Origins of Life

Explore the interdisciplinary field of Origins of Life research, examining chemical, geological, physical, and biological principles to understand how life emerged from an abiotic world.

• Complexity Explorer
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course

Life on Earth and Beyond: Exploring Possibilities for Extraterrestrial Life

Explore the possibilities of extraterrestrial life with physical biologist Chris Kempes. Learn about potential habitats, detection methods, and how familiar life forms might adapt to different environments across the universe.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 15 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Best Strategies for Finding Life in Space - Alien Crash Site Episode 21

Explore strategies for detecting extraterrestrial life with SFI post-doctoral fellow Natalie Grefenstette, discussing the Agnostic Biosignature Project and challenges in recognizing life beyond Earth.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 4 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Detecting Agnostic Biosignatures in Space Exploration - Interview with Heather Graham

Exploring agnostic biosignatures and life detection methods with NASA researcher Heather Graham, discussing challenges in recognizing extraterrestrial life and innovative approaches to astrobiology.

• YouTube
• 54 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How to Find Life Anywhere - The Universal Rules of Life

Explore universal rules of life spanning from simple organisms to complex ecosystems, and their application in the search for extraterrestrial life. Gain insights into biology's fundamental principles across diverse contexts.

• YouTube
• 34 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Why We Search for Life on Mars

Explore Mars' potential for past and present life through NASA rover missions. Learn about ongoing research, sample return plans, and how Earth's knowledge informs Mars exploration.

• YouTube
• 44 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Life and Its Objects Panel Discussion - Exploring Alien Life Detection

Exploring the search for extraterrestrial life through objects, this panel discusses detection methods, challenges in identifying alien artifacts, and implications of potential discoveries for science and humanity.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 9 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Andromeda Strain and the Meaning of Life - Part 8: Searching for Extraterrestrial Life

Explore astrobiology, life detection, and the origins of life with experts Jeremy England and David Krakauer in this thought-provoking discussion on extraterrestrial life and its implications for our understanding of existence.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 1 minute
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Andromeda Strain and the Meaning of Life: Searching for Extraterrestrial Life - Part 6

Explore the search for extraterrestrial life with experts Lee Cronin and Pete Worden, discussing detection methods, potential locations, and tools for identifying life in the universe.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Origins of Life - From Darwin's Warm Little Pond to Modern Theories

Explore theories on life's origins with experts discussing abiogenesis, evolutionary processes, and the implications for interplanetary exploration and our understanding of life itself.

• YouTube
• 56 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Origin of Life - From Chemistry to Information Theory

Explore the enigma of life's origin through information theory and complexity, examining the transition from chemistry to biology and its implications for life in the universe.

• YouTube
• 57 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Origins of Life in Space

Explore the origins of life in space with experts Caleb Scharf and Chris Kempes, discussing planetary models, the Drake Equation, and the probability of extraterrestrial life.

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Recognizing the Alien in Us

Explore the intersection of physics and biology in the quest to define life, its origins, and potential existence beyond Earth, guided by astrobiologist Sara Walker's innovative perspectives.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 40 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video