- Level Professional
- Duration 9 hours
- Course by American Museum of Natural History
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Offered by
About
This course is an introduction to ecology and ecosystem dynamics using a systems thinking lens. Through a case study on Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park, learners will explore how scientists study ecosystems, and investigate the complex array of factors that inform management efforts. At the end of the course, learners will be able to grapple with real-world conservation questions, such as whether an ecosystem can recover from anthropogenic disruption and what role humans can, and should, play in that recovery.Modules
Introductory Materials
1
Videos
- Introduction to the Course
3
Readings
- Syllabus
- Classroom Resources
- Course Credits
Course Resources
2
Videos
- Introduction to Module One
- Africa's Savanna Ecosystems
4
Readings
- Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park: Can an Ecosystem Recover?
- Introduction to Ecology
- Introduction to Biodiversity
- Introduction to Systems--and Systems Thinking
Test Your Knowledge
1
Assignment
- Module One: What have you learned?
Course Resources
3
Videos
- Introduction to Module Two
- Modeling Population and Species Interactions Holiday Lecture
- Surveying Ant Diversity in Gorongosa National Park
2
Readings
- How do we Study a Population--and Why? Part I: Population Dynamics
- How do we Study a Population--and Why? Part II: Modeling Population Growth
Test Your Knowledge
1
Assignment
- Module Two: What have you learned?
Course Resources
4
Videos
- Introduction to Module Three
- How Species Coexist
- Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others: Keystone Species and Trophic Cascades
- Communities as Ecological Networks
2
Readings
- Communities and the Interaction Between Species
- Community Structure and Dynamics
Test Your Knowledge
1
Assignment
- Module Three: What have you learned?
Course Resources
3
Videos
- Introduction to Module Four
- Climate Stress and Coastal Food Webs
- Analyzing Patterns in a Savanna Landscape
2
Readings
- Flow of Energy and Matter in an Ecosystem
- Ecosystem Services, Functioning, and Resilience
Test Your Knowledge
1
Assignment
- Module Four: What have you learned?
Course Resources
4
Videos
- Introduction to Module Five
- Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems
- Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation: Looking Ahead
- Biocultural Approaches to Conservation
3
Readings
- The Anthropocene
- Conservation Today and Looking Ahead
- Gorongosa: What Does the Future Look Like?
Test Your Knowledge
1
Assignment
- Module Five: What have you learned?
Auto Summary
Discover the intricate world of ecology and ecosystem dynamics with the engaging course "Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation." Aimed at professionals in the Science & Engineering field, this course leverages a systems thinking approach to deepen your understanding of ecological principles. Led by Coursera, the course uses Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park as a captivating case study, allowing you to explore how scientists analyze ecosystems and the multitude of factors that influence conservation efforts. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to tackle pressing conservation questions, including the potential for ecosystems to recover from human-induced disruptions and the appropriate role of humans in facilitating this recovery. Spanning 540 minutes of in-depth content, this professional-level course offers flexible subscription options, including Starter and Professional plans, to cater to your learning needs. Ideal for those passionate about environmental science and ecosystem management, this course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of conservation. Join now and embark on a journey to understand and protect our planet's precious ecosystems.

Ana Luz Porzecanski