Extinctions: Past and Present from FutureLearn

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in science or environmental issues. No previous experience is required. While scientific names are used, to for example identify extinct life forms, knowing these is not required to follow the course. We do offer glossaries and explain terms as we go along so you will be able to follow the themes of the course. You can use the hashtag #FLextinctions to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

The five past mass extinctions and their impact on life on earth
What we know about the past from the fossil record
The earliest forms of life
From simple to complex life forms
Extinction and radiation as drivers of change
Likely causes of mass extinctions throughout earth’s history
Current threats to biodiversity
What we can do to reduce the risk of a ‘sixth extinction’

Reviews summary

Extinctions: past, present, and future

This course offers a detailed look at the five past mass extinctions and their impact on life on earth. It also examines the current threats to biodiversity and what we can do to reduce the risk of a ‘sixth extinction’. Reviews indicate that the course is well-presented by enthusiastic experts, and they find the content to be both informative and thought-provoking.

Interviews with specialists provide valuable insights and diverse perspectives.

"Excellent photographs, graphics and charts and nice clear explanations which this non-scientist found easy to follow."

"The expert contributors we met throughout the course."

"This course is outstanding. ... You can't help but have all the excitement you felt as a child for fossils and dinosaurs reawakened."

Clear and engaging presentations make the course easy to follow and understand.

"The course is well presented and deeply fascinating."

"The lectures were all interesting and well presented."

"The videos, research material and interview discussions have all been absorbing."

The course highlights the relevance of past extinctions to current threats to biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts.

"The final 6th extinction happening now leads to much broader issues and it was great to see how the science of our current environmental crisis can be linked with the geological past."

"There is so much extra reading material with plenty of more in-depth information."

"The main educator, Professor Chinsamy Turan, introduced many experts on different aspects, and all were highly knowledgeable, articulate and passionate about their subjects."

Engaging and informative content, well-presented by experts in the field.

"This course is fascinating and eye-opening."

"I found this course both fascinating and eye-opening."

"An excellent course, full of information on past extinctions and present-day habitats and species under threat."

The course raises important questions about the future of life on Earth and our role in it.

"This was a fascinating course... It took a logical step by step process through the extinctions to our present day problems."

"Outstanding course! The enthusiasm and optimism brought to the course by the lead education is contagious."

"An excellent and highly informative course detailing the five mass extinctions... Additional material pertaining to journal articles and other reputable references have also been included for those who wish to learn more..."

Concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the course content, specifically unfounded speculation that is not corrected by educators.

"I am concerned that students come away with too many false ideas."

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