Certificate of Achievement
has completed the following course:
This course harnessed the lessons learnt so far to highlight the power humanity wields to shape its own destiny. It was a journey of self-discovery exploring the history and evolution of humanity, the rise and fall of civilisations, the future of all species both on and off the Earth, and the colonisation of the Moon and Mars. It highlighted a desire to explore new worlds, to drive forward space exploration, and to help humanity live successfully for the long term on Earth.
3 weeks, 3 hours per week
Louisa Preston
Astrobiologist, geologist, author and UK Space Agency Research Fellow
FutureLearn
Transcript
Learning outcomes
- Describe evolution in a cosmic context
- Discuss the threats to the survival of a civilisation
- Compare reasons and strategies for our switching planets
- Summarise the considerations and steps required to move to the Moon
- Create a strategy for colonisation of Mars
- Investigate the history behind climate change and identify challenges we need to overcome
- Discuss the mistakes we’ve made and our likelihood to make them again
- Describe ways our investigation into the space environment can help our lives on earth and beyond
Syllabus
Week 1: Our civilisation: Rise and threats
- Evolution in a cosmic context
- The evolution of us
- Threats to a civilisation
Week 2: Colonisation of other worlds
- A multi-planet species
- Colonising the Moon
- Colonising Mars
Week 3: A sustainable future
- A changing climate
- Materialistic beings
- The next step
Issued on 26th April 2026
The person named on this certificate has completed the activities in the transcript above. For more information about Certificates of Achievement and the effort required to become eligible, visit futurelearn.com/proof-of-learning/certificate-of-achievement.
This certificate represents proof of learning. It is not a formal qualification, degree, or part of a degree.