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The Big Stuff: Evolution and Ecology

Approx. 10 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course explores the key concepts and theories of evolution and ecology, covering topics such as natural selection, biodiversity, and ecosystem dynamics. Students will gain a deep understanding of how living organisms interact with each other and their environment.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the history of life on Earth and the mechanisms of evolution
Explore the ecological principles that shape ecosystems
Gain practical skills in biodiversity assessment and conservation

Learning Outcomes

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of evolution and ecology
Acquire practical skills in biodiversity assessment and conservation
Apply ecological theories to real-world scenarios

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of biology is recommended
Access to a computer with internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Self-paced online course
Video lectures
Interactive quizzes
Peer-reviewed assignments

Similar Courses

Biology and Ecosystems
Conservation Science
Environmental Management

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

David Attenborough
Dr. Jane Goodall
Dr. Sylvia Earle

Related Books

Description

In this course, we will explore how evolution works to generate new species, the wide variety of life on earth. We will also touch on the importance of biodiversity for the overall health of our planet, and for our well being as humans. Then we will discuss ecology and the interconnectedness of life and touch on one big ecological issue in today’s society, conservation.

Knowledge

Explain why biodiversity is important and how evolution works to generate biodiversity.
Explain the basic principles of ecology and discuss how we fit into an ecological system.
Apply knowledge of ecology to current conservation issues in today’s society. Identify costs/benefits to each conservation strategy.

Outline

The "E" Word
Course 3 Introduction
What is evolution?
Evidence for evolution
Optional: Religion and Evolution
How does evolution work?

The Diversity of Life
Module 2 Introduction
Speciation and Extinction
Biodiversity Wrap up and Synthesis
Extinction PBS video
Biodiversity: What It Means and Why We Need It
Diversity of life video

The Interconnectedness of Life
Basic principles of ecology
TED Talk video
Basic principles of ecology

Questions of Conservation: Finding Balance
Introduction: Conservation and Finding Balance
Recap 1
The decision to reuse
Recap 2
Wrap up
The Bushmeat Crisis
Plastic bags video
Composting
Hardin’s Tragedy of the Commons video
Biology Everywhere Post-Assessment

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the fascinating world of evolution and ecology with The Big Stuff course on Coursera. Users love this course for its comprehensive content and engaging instructor, but some have mentioned a few drawbacks to note.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The instructor is engaging and knowledgeable, making the course easy to follow and interesting.

Pros from User Reviews

Covers a wide range of topics in evolution and ecology
Instructor is engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate about the subject
Course is well-organized and easy to follow
Quizzes and assignments are challenging but rewarding
Great value for the price

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be too basic or introductory
A few technical issues with the platform or videos
Some users would have liked more interaction with other students
Not ideal for those looking for a more specialized or advanced course
Course workload can be quite heavy at times

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