Learn 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 understood without these prerequisites. The quizzes and final exam are designed to make you think critically about the material you have learned rather than to simply make you memorize facts. The class is expected to be challenging but rewarding.
The Science of the Solar System
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(788 reviews)
29 hours to complete
3 weeks at 9 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
10 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 10 modules in this course
What's included
11 videos1 reading1 assignment3 discussion prompts
What's included
10 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What's included
10 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What's included
11 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What's included
10 videos1 assignment2 discussion prompts
What's included
12 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What's included
9 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What's included
10 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What's included
11 videos1 assignment2 discussion prompts
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.9 (224 ratings)
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Physics and Astronomy
The University of Edinburgh
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
University of Manchester
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 788
4.8
788 reviews
- 5 stars
90.36%
- 4 stars
5.95%
- 3 stars
1.26%
- 2 stars
0.76%
- 1 star
1.64%
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.