Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice from edX

Land use without adequate management can drive environmental degradation. Grazing management is an example of such land use and represents a common problem in many regions of the world. The aim of this short course is to raise awareness of the environmental risks associated with unsustainable management of natural resources. This course uses Iceland as a case study because here traditional sheep grazing has been associated with extensive environmental degradation. We examine the sustainability of sheep grazing in Iceland and explore how history, socioeconomic factors and environmental conditions have influenced the management of grazing resources. The development of sustainable management practices needs to take into account ecological, as well as economic and social aspects. We can devise general rules and guiding principles for management based on our current understanding of the socio-ecological systems, but fine-tuning of specific management decisions, for example regarding stocking rates or the duration of the grazing season will have to be site-specific. A better understanding of the consequences of these practices and how their ecological impacts vary under different environmental conditions will improve management decisions and increase the sustainability of management practices in the face of ongoing environmental changes.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The cultural, historical and economic relevance of sheep grazing in iceland
Current issues, initiatives and approaches to sheep grazing management in iceland

Basic ecological principles that govern grazing systems, their complexity and dynamics

The cultural, historical and economic relevance of sheep grazing in iceland
Current issues, initiatives and approaches to sheep grazing management in iceland
Basic ecological principles that govern grazing systems, their complexity and dynamics

Syllabus

PART 1. COURSE INTRODUCTIONPART 2. SHEEP GRAZING IN THE NORTH2.1 Sheep grazing in the North2.2 Sheep grazing in Iceland2.3 Sheep grazing can lead to soil erosionPART 3. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF SHEEP GRAZING IN ICELAND3.1 Iceland before sheep3.2 Modelling the ecosystem3.3 Then, sheep arrived3.4 Efforts to mitigate environmental degradationPART 4. THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE OF SHEEP GRAZING IN ICELAND4.1 Sheep in Iceland today4.2 Current efforts in ecological research4.3 Sustainable sheep grazing?PART 5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers core knowledge in the field of grazing management

Taught by experts in the field

Explores both ecological, economic, and social aspects of sheep grazing

Uses Iceland as a case study, which provides a real-world example of the impact of sheep grazing on the environment

Focuses on the sustainability of sheep grazing, which is a growing concern in many parts of the world

Reviews summary

Highly informative sheep in iceland mooc

Learners say this engaging and informative course is an ideal case study for sustainability. The well produced videos explore the complexities of sheep grazing in Iceland and its impact on the environment, economy, and culture. The accessible and easy-to-understand content is perfect for beginners and experts alike. If you're looking for an interesting and thought-provoking course, highly recommended!

The course is designed for both beginners and experts, with clear and engaging videos, making it easy to understand even complex topics.

"I thought it was a very nice course, and the information was very easy to keep track of and was presented in a way I (a Computer Science major from the suburbs of the USA) could understand on a base level."

"This short course introduces the complexities of managing sheep grazing in Iceland. Suitable for any level of knowledge about agriculture."

"Excellent course. Fast paced and well presented. Would highly recommend the course to anyone interested in Iceland or the environment."

The course focuses on Iceland's sheep grazing industry, but the lessons learned can be applied to sustainable agriculture practices worldwide.

"This course is full of information and shares a timeline of the impacts of humans, sheep farming, the impacts of overgrazing and degradation on the land."

"Regardless of where we are, sustainable farming and attaining a balance between nature and economic practice makes a difference to our next generation."

"This course is very informative."

"Though the course is focused on Icelandic sheep grazing, the situation here can be applied to many situations all over the world."

The course highlights sustainable agriculture, providing valuable insights to manage the delicate balance between sheep farming and environmental protection.

"This class can be looked at as a land degradation case study."

"It is interesting and applicable to people not only for the environmental insight, but the historical and geographical information on Iceland as well."

"This course demonstrates nicely how complex ecological research and the implementation of sustainable practices can be."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice with these activities:

Review Sheep Grazing in Iceland

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Review the history of sheep grazing in Iceland to build a strong foundation for understanding the environmental risks associated with unsustainable management of natural resources.

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Read Chapter 2 of the course syllabus.
Watch the video lecture on the history of sheep grazing in Iceland.
Write a summary of the key points from the reading and lecture.

Join a Study Group on Sheep Grazing

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Engage with peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and support each other's learning in a collaborative environment.

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Reach out to classmates to find like-minded individuals.
Schedule regular meetings to discuss course materials and assignments.
Contribute actively to the group discussions.

Attend a Workshop on Sustainable Grazing Practices

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Participate in a workshop to learn from experts and engage with other professionals in the field of sustainable sheep grazing.

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Research upcoming workshops on sustainable grazing practices.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.

Two other activities

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Mentor a Newer Student in the Course

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Share your knowledge and support the learning of a newer student by providing guidance and encouragement throughout the course.

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Identify a newer student who could benefit from mentoring.
Offer your support and guidance to the student.
Regularly check in with the student and provide feedback and encouragement.

Develop a Sustainable Sheep Grazing Plan

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Create a comprehensive plan for sustainable sheep grazing management to apply the principles learned in the course and contribute to the conservation of Iceland's natural resources.

Browse courses on Management Practices

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Read Chapter 4 of the course syllabus.
Research best practices for sustainable sheep grazing.
Develop a grazing plan that addresses ecological, economic, and social considerations.
Present the plan to a group of peers for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists devise and implement land management plans that protect and restore natural ecosystems. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice provides a valuable introduction to the principles of ecological management, the dynamics of grazing systems, and the complexities of grazing land management. Study of the history and present situation of grazing in Iceland will inform your perspective on the cultural, environmental, and economic challenges of grazing land management in a variety of settings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the biology, behavior, and conservation of wildlife populations. They work to protect endangered species and restore habitats. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice can help you build a foundation for understanding the complex relationships between grazing animals, their habitats, and the broader ecosystem.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They research the effects of human activities on ecosystems, and work to develop sustainable solutions. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice will introduce you to the ecological principles that govern grazing systems, and will discuss how unsustainable grazing practices can lead to environmental degradation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ecologist

Range Manager

Range Managers manage rangelands to ensure their long-term health and productivity. They work with ranchers and landowners to develop sustainable grazing practices that protect the land and its wildlife. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice will provide you with the knowledge of ecological principles and grazing management practices you need to succeed in this role.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants advise businesses and organizations on how to minimize their environmental impact. They develop and implement environmental management plans, and work to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice will help you build a strong understanding of the environmental issues associated with grazing, and how to develop sustainable management practices.

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Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers oversee the conservation and management of natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. They work to protect and restore ecosystems, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice will help you build a foundation in the principles of sustainable grazing management, and will provide you with an understanding of the environmental risks associated with unsustainable grazing practices.

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Park Ranger

Park Rangers protect and manage national parks and other protected areas. They enforce regulations, conduct search and rescue operations, and provide educational programs for visitors. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice will introduce you to the principles of grazing management, grazing system dynamics, and the environmental impacts of grazing. This knowledge will be essential to your success as a Park Ranger in areas where grazing is a significant land use.

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Forestry Technician

Forestry Technicians assist foresters with the management of forests. They conduct surveys, collect data, and help to implement forest management plans. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice may be useful if you work in an area where grazing is a part of forest management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forestry Technician

Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop and implement plans to protect the environment. They work with communities, businesses, and government agencies to promote sustainable development. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice will introduce you to the principles of sustainable grazing management, and will provide you with an understanding of the environmental impacts of unsustainable grazing practices.

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GIS Analyst

GIS Analysts use geographic information systems (GIS) to collect, analyze, and visualize data. This data can be used to make informed decisions about land use, environmental management, and other issues. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice may be useful if you work on projects related to grazing management or land use planning.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability plans for organizations. They work to reduce the organization's environmental impact and promote social and economic responsibility. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice may be useful if you work in an organization that has grazing operations or is otherwise involved in land management.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. They work to develop solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice may be useful if you work on projects related to grazing management or land use planning.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. They make recommendations to policymakers on how to improve policies and programs. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice may be useful if you work on policies related to grazing management or land use planning.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. They write articles, books, and other materials that explain scientific concepts and discoveries. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice may be useful if you want to write about environmental issues related to grazing management or land use planning.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. This course in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice may be useful if you teach science or environmental studies.

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Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Grazing Management

Save

Offers comprehensive coverage of the field of sheep grazing management with attention to both technical issues and broader socio-economic factors.

The Ecology and Management of Grazing Systems

Paperback

$$$

Grazing Ecology and Forest History

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Offers a very detailed look at grazing ecology and its relationship to forest history. It will provide plenty of background information on grazing ecology and can be used as a reference tool.

Grazing Ecology and Forest History

Hardcover

$$$$

Applied Ecology

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As one of the definitive works on grazing ecology and land management, this book serves as a fine complement to this course by offering a comparative perspective outside of Iceland.

Applied Ecology: How agriculture, forestry and...

Kindle Edition

$$$$