Kyoto University offers this open EdX course dedicated to microorganisms and their role in our world. More specifically, this course investigates microbes that are able to survive in extreme environments and temperatures. As the course introduction explains, "Microorganisms are everywhere, and although some are notorious for their roles in human disease, many play important roles in sustaining our global environment." In this course, anyone can learn more about microbes via video lectures, course readings, and assignments. These materials are divided into four units: Evolution and the Diversity of Life; Life in Boiling Water; Diversity of Extremophiles; and Genome Sequences. Intended for anyone with a middle-school level knowledge of science, this course is self-paced but designed to be completed in about four weeks. Auditing The Extremes of Life is free; students also have the the option to earn a certificate if they pay a course fee.