Join astrobiologist Dr Louisa Preston as you explore what it means to be alive in the universe. In this introduction to astrobiology and space science, you’ll deepen your understanding of where we came from, where we are, and where we’re going in the future.

Meet your Expert Educator, Dr Louisa Preston

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

Louisa has studied microbes in some of the most extreme environments on Earth, from the geysers and volcanoes of Iceland to the red acidic rivers of Rio Tinto in Spain.

With her knowledge and expertise in the geological history of Solar System bodies and how life might have evolved on other planets and moons, Louisa is uniquely positioned to guide you through this fascinating ExpertTrack.

Discover the origins of the Earth and life itself

From the beginning of our planet to where we are now, you’ll explore the formation of the Earth, how the many interconnected systems of the Earth work, and the history of the life that survives and thrives here.

Travel into space and determine whether there was ever life on Mars

Discover our neighbouring planet, Mars, the rocky, desert-covered red planet. What’s it made of? Is there water there? Can we live there? You’ll explore the answers to these questions and more.

You’ll also learn about the fascinating research that’s currently happening including the many future missions in the search for life on Mars.

Search for extraterrestrial life outside of our solar system

Outside our solar system lies a vast number of star systems and planets with the potential to cultivate life. On this course, you’ll discover what these exoplanets look like, how we might find them, and the ongoing search for alien life.

Then, you’ll crack the surface of our solar system’s icy moons and explore Europa, Enceladus, and Titan, three moons of our closest gas giants. Dive into the theories of what lies beneath their surfaces and uncover the secrets of what makes Titan so special.

Explore what the future of life looks like on Earth and beyond

Reflecting on what you’ve learned throughout the previous courses, you’ll think about what this all means for human life in the future.

Human civilisation faces a variety of threats to its survival, from climate change to overpopulation. But is there a way that we could move to another planet? And is the colonisation of other worlds essential to the continued survival of humans?