Life on Mars, Earth and Beyond

Louisa Preston, an astrobiologist, will lead you in exploring what it means to live in the universe. This introduction to astrobiology will help you understand how space science works and what it means for the future.

This ExpertTrack is supervised by Dr Louisa Preston, an astrobiologist, planetary geologist author, and UK Space Agency Aurora Research Fellow.

Louisa has studied microbes from extreme environments, such as volcanoes and geysers in Iceland or the red-alkaline rivers of Rio Tinto, Spain.

Louisa's expertise and knowledge in the geological history and evolution of life on other planets, moons, and Solar System bodies makes her an exceptional expert to help you navigate this fascinating ExpertTrack.

You'll learn about the origins of our planet and how they work together. Also, the history of life that lives and thrives on this planet.

Mars, the red desert-covered rocky planet is our nearest neighbor. What is it made from? Is there water? Is it possible to live there? These questions and many more will be answered.

Learn about current research and future missions to Mars.

There are many star systems and planets outside our solar system that could support life. This course will show you how exoplanets might look and what the ongoing search for alien life looks like.

You'll then be able to explore Europa Enceladus, Titan and three other moons belonging to our nearest gas giants. Explore the mysteries of Titan's unique features and discover the theories that lie beneath them.

You'll reflect on the lessons you have learned in previous courses and think about the implications for human life.

The survival of civilisations like human civilization is at risk from everything from climate change to overpopulation. Is there a way to move to another planet or is that impossible? Is it essential for humans to continue living on other planets?