University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Navigating Disruption in Energy, Biology, Quantum, and Space
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Navigating Disruption in Energy, Biology, Quantum, and Space

Robert J. Brunner

Instructor: Robert J. Brunner

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Interpret and analyze technological and geopolitical trends across energy, biology, quantum, and space domains.

  • Evaluate business opportunities, risks, and ethical implications within frontier industries.

  • Apply systems thinking and scenario planning to anticipate future disruptions and market transformations.

  • Integrate sustainability, equity, and responsible innovation into strategic decision-making.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

December 2025

Assessments

25 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

 logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 4 modules in this course

Welcome to Module 1! In this module, you’ll explore how global energy systems are transforming—technologically, economically, and geopolitically—and what these changes mean for business strategy and leadership in the decades ahead. Energy is no longer a background input to the economy. It has become a defining force shaping markets, innovation, and competitive advantage. Understanding how energy transitions unfold—across technologies, supply chains, policies, and finance—is essential for leaders navigating disruption and sustainability simultaneously.

What's included

18 videos8 readings7 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

Welcome to Module 2 — a deep dive into how synthetic biology is transforming the global economy, reshaping industries, and redefining how we design, produce, and sustain life itself. Synthetic biology—the engineering of living systems with the precision of digital technology—is one of the most powerful forces of innovation in the 21st century. By merging biology with data science, automation, and artificial intelligence, it allows us to design new materials, foods, medicines, and manufacturing systems that are cleaner, faster, and smarter than anything we’ve built before. This module explores not only the science behind these changes but also the strategic, ethical, and commercial opportunities they create for future business leaders.

What's included

15 videos3 readings6 assignments

Welcome to Module 3 — your gateway to understanding how quantum computing is reshaping industries, redefining competition, and transforming the way we think about problem-solving in business. Quantum computing represents the next great leap in computational power. Unlike classical computers, which process information as binary bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers use qubits—units that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. Through the strange yet powerful principles of superposition, entanglement, and tunneling, quantum systems can perform complex calculations exponentially faster than today’s most powerful machines. In this module, you’ll learn not just how quantum computing works, but why it matters strategically—and how business leaders can prepare for the coming wave of quantum-enabled innovation.

What's included

15 videos3 readings6 assignments

Welcome to Module 4—an exploration of the rapidly growing space economy, where innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced technologies are transforming space from a government-dominated domain into a dynamic global marketplace. What was once the realm of astronauts and national space agencies is now being shaped by private companies, venture capital, and cross-industry collaboration. From launch services and satellite networks to space-based manufacturing and tourism, a new era of “New Space” has arrived—one driven by accessibility, automation, and bold commercial imagination.

What's included

17 videos5 readings6 assignments1 plugin

Instructor

Robert J. Brunner
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
7 Courses29,752 learners

Offered by

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."
Coursera Plus

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ 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