Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/solar-system
### Course Review: The Science of the Solar System on Coursera If you've ever gazed up at the night sky and marveled at the planets, stars, and cosmic wonders, then "The Science of the Solar System" on Coursera is a course that deserves your attention. This comprehensive and engaging course invites learners into the realm of planetary science, employing an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates physics, chemistry, biology, and geology to explore the mysteries of our solar system and beyond. #### Overview "The Science of the Solar System" is a free course designed to bring students up-to-date with the current scientific exploration of our celestial neighborhood. Although the course is positioned at an advanced level, prior knowledge of undergraduate-level math and physics is not strictly required, as the majority of concepts and lectures are accessible to anyone with a keen interest in space science. The course is structured around several thematic units that delve into the latest findings and hypotheses related to various celestial bodies. Each unit is carefully curated to unravel complex questions through rigorous scientific inquiry, shifting the focus from theoretical concepts to real-world applications in space exploration. #### Syllabus Breakdown The syllabus is organized into distinct units, each lasting two weeks and culminating in a final exam. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from each unit: 1. **Water on Mars (Weeks 1-3)**: The course kicks off with one of the most intriguing topics in planetary science—water on Mars. Over three weeks, students will investigate the historical presence of water on the Martian surface, its implications for past life, and the ongoing exploration missions aiming to uncover the secrets of the Red Planet. 2. **The Insides of Giant Planets (Weeks 1-2)**: The second unit shifts focus to the gas giants of our solar system. Students will delve deeply into the internal structures of planets like Jupiter and Saturn, examining their atmospheres, magnetic fields, and the unique phenomena that differentiate them from terrestrial bodies. 3. **Big Questions from Small Bodies (Weeks 1-2)**: This unit explores smaller celestial bodies such as asteroids and comets, addressing their significance in understanding the solar system's formation and evolution. The inquiry will include discussions on their potential impact on Earth and their role in delivering organic materials that may be crucial for life. 4. **Life in the Solar System (Weeks 1-2)**: The penultimate unit tackles the baffling question of whether life exists beyond our planet. Drawing upon biology and astrobiology perspectives, learners will explore environments that may harbor life within our solar system while also considering the search for extraterrestrial life beyond it. 5. **Final Exam**: The course concludes with a comprehensive assessment that allows participants to demonstrate their understanding of the topics covered throughout the course. #### Recommendations I highly recommend "The Science of the Solar System" for anyone with a passion for astronomy, planetary science, or space exploration. Here are a few reasons why this course stands out: - **Interdisciplinary Approach**: The combination of various scientific disciplines allows for a rich, nuanced understanding of space phenomena. - **Current and Relevant Content**: Covering cutting-edge discoveries in planetary science, the course is timely and relevant, appealing to those who wish to keep up with the latest news in space exploration. - **Engaging Material**: The course materials, including lectures and supplementary resources, are crafted to be engaging and thought-provoking, often sparking discussions that extend beyond the course itself. - **Flexibility**: Being available on Coursera, it offers the flexibility to learn at your own pace, making it accessible to busy individuals. In conclusion, whether you are a seasoned professional looking to refresh your knowledge or a curious learner eager to dive into the fascinating world of solar system science, "The Science of the Solar System" is a worthwhile investment of your time. Sign up today, and set out on a journey through our cosmic neighborhood!
Unit 1: Water on Mars (week 1)
Unit 1: Water on Mars (week 2)Unit 1: Water on Mars (week 3)Unit 2: The insides of giant planets (week 1)Unit 2: The insides of giant planets (week 2)Unit 3: Big questions from small bodies (week 1)Unit 3: Big questions from small bodies (week 2)Unit 4: Life in the solar system (week 1) Unit 4: Life in the solar system and beyond (week 2)Final examLearn about the science behind the current exploration of the solar system in this free class. Use principles from physics, chemistry, biology, and geology to understand the latest from Mars, comprehend the outer solar system, ponder planets outside our solar system, and search for habitability in our neighborhood and beyond. This course is generally taught at an advanced level assuming a prior knowledge of undergraduate math and physics, but the majority of the concepts and lectures can be unde
The course instructor is the best part of this course. That guy (respectfully) is an awesome teacher, I wish everyone would get teachers like him. Overall I got to learn a lot.
Great course. Learned a lot. Presentational style very easy to understand, which made learning an enjoyable experience.\n\nSome summary notes to each chapter would have been great.
The lectures are engaging and replete with thought provoking material. Professor Brown's in depth knowledge of the field and his passion for planetary science aroused an everlasting curiosity.
Excellent Course! Very informative and gives a brief overview of the history of the Solar System and some of the questions driving new and current missions. Thank you.
Thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed this course, The quizzes really helped me to learn, they made me get to grips with the material presented. I loved the bonus material. Thanks again.