Population, Food, and Soil
This course explores the population-environment relationship. In this course, you will learn about the human population and the ways in which changes in the population affect the environment. Agriculture, soils, and the environmental implications of eating meat, vegetables, local, organic, sustainable, industrial, and other types of food are discussed too. We explore questions such as: 1. How many people live on Earth right now? 2. What is the carrying capacity of Earth? 3.
Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 16 hours
- Course by Dartmouth College
-
Offered by
About
This course explores the population-environment relationship. In this course, you will learn about the human population and the ways in which changes in the population affect the environment. Agriculture, soils, and the environmental implications of eating meat, vegetables, local, organic, sustainable, industrial, and other types of food are discussed too. We explore questions such as: 1. How many people live on Earth right now? 2. What is the carrying capacity of Earth? 3. What is the relationship between the number of people, where they live, the resources they consume, and their environmental impact? 4. What types of agriculture are used right now? 5. What is the difference between organic and conventional agriculture? 6. Why would you want to dig a soil pit? A conversation with Phil Connors, an Australian Environmental Scientist, will explore the topic of human population and sustainability. You will also listen to the conversations with Danielle Allen, an organic farmer, and Justin Richardson, a soil scientist.Modules
Welcome to the Course
-
4
Readings
-
1
Discussion
1
Discussions
- Discussion: Introduce Yourself
4
Readings
- Introductory Reading
- Coursera Code of Conduct
- Coursera Honor Code
- Discussion Tips and Guide
The World Today
-
2
Videos
-
2
Readings
-
3
Discussion
3
Discussions
- Unprompted Discussion: Transition to Introduction Video
- Unprompted Discussion: The World Today Video
- Unprompted Discussion: Human Population Reading
2
Videos
- Introduction
- Video: The World Today
2
Readings
- Introduction: The World Today
- The Human Population
Population Numbers
-
1
Videos
-
2
Readings
-
1
Discussion
1
Discussions
- Unprompted Discussion: Population Numbers Video
1
Videos
- Video: Population Numbers
2
Readings
- Introduction: Population Numbers
- Population Numbers
How and Why Populations Change
-
1
Videos
-
5
Readings
-
3
Discussion
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Population and the World
3
Discussions
- Unprompted Discussion: How and Why Populations Change Video
- Unprompted Discussion: U.S. Age-structure Diagrams
- Prompted Discussion: Age-structure Diagram
1
Videos
- Video: How and Why Populations Change
5
Readings
- Introduction: How and Why Populations Change
- Age-structure Diagrams
- U.S. Age-structure Diagram, 1950
- U.S. Age-structure Diagram, 2000
- U.S. Age-structure Diagram, 2050
Global Population Dynamics
-
1
Videos
-
2
Readings
-
2
Discussion
2
Discussions
- Unprompted Discussion: Global Population Dynamics Video
- Unprompted Discussion: Consumption, Equity, and Environmental Justice Reading
1
Videos
- Video: Global Population Dynamics
2
Readings
- Introduction: Global Population Dynamics
- Consumption, Equity, and Environmental Justice
Interview with Phil Connors
-
1
Videos
-
1
Readings
-
1
Discussion
1
Discussions
- Unprompted Discussion: A conversation with Phil Connors
1
Videos
- Video: A conversation with Phil Connors
1
Readings
- Introduction: A conversation with Phil Connors
Human Population Review and Quiz
-
1
Videos
-
1
Readings
-
1
Discussion
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Global Population
1
Discussions
- Unprompted Discussion: Human Population Review
1
Videos
- Video: Human Population Review
1
Readings
- Human Population Review
Agriculture and Human Nutrition
-
1
Videos
-
2
Readings
-
2
Discussion
2
Discussions
- Unprompted Discussion: Agriculture and Human Nutrition Video
- Unprompted Discussion: Traditional and Industrialized Ag Reading
1
Videos
- Video: Agriculture and Human Nutrition
2
Readings
- Introduction: Agriculture and Human Nutrition Video
- Traditional and Industrialized Agriculture
Modern Agriculture Effects
-
2
Videos
-
2
Readings
-
2
Discussion
2
Discussions
- Unprompted Discussion: Modern Agriculture Effects - Part 1 Video
- Unprompted Discussion: Modern Agriculture Effects - Part 2 Video
2
Videos
- Video: Modern Agriculture Effects - Part 1
- Video: Modern Agriculture Effects - Part 2
2
Readings
- Introduction: Modern Agriculture Effects - Part 1
- Introduction: Modern Agriculture Effects - Part 2
Modern Agriculture Alternatives
-
1
Videos
-
1
Readings
-
1
Discussion
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Agriculture and Environment
1
Discussions
- Unprompted Discussion: Modern Agriculture Alternatives Video
1
Videos
- Video: Modern Agriculture Alternatives
1
Readings
- Introduction: Modern Agriculture Alternatives
The Soil Resource
-
1
Videos
-
2
Readings
-
2
Discussion
2
Discussions
- Unprompted Discussion: The Soil Resource Video
- Unprompted Discussion: A Soils Primer Reading
1
Videos
- Video: The Soil Resource
2
Readings
- Introduction: The Soil Resource
- A Soils Primer
A Soil Profile
-
2
Videos
-
2
Readings
-
2
Discussion
2
Discussions
- Unprompted Discussion: A Soil Profile Video
- Unprompted Discussion: A Conversation with Danielle Allen
2
Videos
- Video: A Soil Profile
- Video: A Conversation with Danielle Allen
2
Readings
- Introduction: A Soil Profile
- Introduction: A Conversation with Danielle Allen
Food and Soils Review
-
1
Videos
-
1
Readings
-
2
Discussion
-
1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Soil and Environment
2
Discussions
- Prompted Discussion: A Favorite Meal
- Unprompted Discussion: Food and Soils Review
1
Videos
- Video: Food and Soils Review
1
Readings
- Food and Soils Review
Auto Summary
Embark on a fascinating journey into the intricate relationship between population dynamics and the environment with the "Population, Food, and Soil" course. This foundational course, offered by Coursera, delves into crucial questions about human population growth, resource consumption, and their environmental impacts. Guided by the expertise of Phil Connors, an esteemed Australian Environmental Scientist, along with insights from organic farmer Danielle Allen and soil scientist Justin Richardson, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of various agricultural practices, soil health, and sustainable food systems. Throughout 960 minutes of engaging content, learners will explore a range of topics, including the current global population, Earth's carrying capacity, and the environmental implications of different dietary choices. The course also contrasts organic and conventional agriculture, providing a thorough analysis of each method's environmental footprint. Ideal for individuals at the foundational level, this course is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of science and engineering principles related to population, food, and environmental sustainability. Subscription options include a starter plan, making it accessible for anyone eager to learn. Join this enlightening course to develop a well-rounded perspective on how population and food production systems intertwine with our planet's ecological balance.
Andy Friedland