We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice

Isabel C Barrio, Ólafur Arnalds, David S Hik, Ingibjörg Svala Jónsdóttir, Egill Erlendsson, Þórunn Pétursdóttir, Jóhann Þórisson, Björn Helgi Barkarsson, Bryndís Marteinsdóttir, Tara Mulloy, Unnsteinn Snorri Snorrason, and Anja Mager

4.9

Based on 58 ratings

, see reviews

Enroll now

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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Iceland grazing: history, ecology, and sustainability

learners say this course provides a highly relevant and fascinating look into sustainable land management, using Iceland's sheep grazing history as a unique case study. students particularly praise the course's multidisciplinary approach, successfully blending ecological principles with historical, social, and economic factors to explain complex environmental issues. while some note it serves as a good introduction rather than an in-depth technical dive, many found the coverage of current sustainability efforts and future challenges particularly valuable. the course is seen as a well-structured and engaging overview for anyone interested in the intersection of land use, environment, and culture in sensitive ecosystems.

Provides a solid foundation but lacks advanced depth.

"It's a great course if you're new to this topic; the basics are explained well."

"As someone with some background, I felt it was a bit introductory in places."

"Wish there was slightly more technical or quantitative information on the ecological models."

"Perfect for a general understanding, but less for specialist practitioners."

Explains current issues through historical land use.

"The historical background was much more interesting and relevant than I expected."

"Understanding the history of sheep farming in Iceland was key to grasping the present."

"It was important to see how past decisions led to current environmental conditions."

"The historical context section was surprisingly insightful and well-presented."

Highlights current and future sustainability efforts.

"The most valuable part for me was learning about the ongoing restoration and management."

"It gave practical examples of how sustainability is being tackled."

"I feel better equipped to think about sustainable land use after this course."

"Focused on relevant, forward-looking approaches to the problem."

Blends ecology, history, society, and economics well.

"Loved how it wove together history, culture, and ecology to explain the problems."

"Getting the full picture – ecological, social, and economic – was incredibly helpful."

"The course clearly showed how intertwined environmental issues are with human factors."

"Appreciated the blend of historical context and modern ecological science."

Focus on Iceland provides a unique, concrete example.

"Using Iceland as the case study was brilliant; it made the theory very concrete."

"I specifically enrolled because of the Iceland focus, and it delivered great insights."

"Learning about grazing issues through Iceland's unique landscape was fascinating."

"The choice of Iceland makes this course stand out and highly relevant to specific contexts."

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

Show steps

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.

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Mentor a Newer Student in the Course

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Range Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resource Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Park Ranger

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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

Save

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

Save

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

$$$$