Tropical coastal ecosystems from edX

Do you want to develop the skills and knowledge needed to help preserve tropical coastal ecosystems? These habitats provide goods and services for hundreds of millions of people but human activities have led to their global decline. TROPIC101x will introduce you to the incredible plants and animals that create these unique ecosystems. You will go on to explore the challenges these ecosystems are facing such as overfishing, coastal pollution, ocean warming and acidification, then learn about some techniques being used to tackle these problems. Lectures will be delivered by leading experts. Many of them were filmed on-site in the Great Barrier Reef, at The University of Queensland's research station on Heron Island. The course concludes with an innovative virtual ecology project, where you will have the option to take part in a citizen science project. Join us on an exciting journey, as you develop new knowledge and skills, during this beautiful and engaging course!

What you'll learn

A basic understanding of the value, vulnerability, dynamics and sustainable management of tropical coastal ecosystems
Basic experimental design skills plus some simple analytical and statistical techniques
An understanding and appreciation of the local and global threats to tropical coastal ecosystems
An understanding and practical use of spatial planning tools
The process of designing and implementing an experiment in a virtualecology project

What's inside

Learning objectives

A basic understanding of the value, vulnerability, dynamics and sustainable management of tropical coastal ecosystems
Basic experimental design skills plus some simple analytical and statistical techniques
An understanding and appreciation of the local and global threats to tropical coastal ecosystems

An understanding and practical use of spatial planning tools
The process of designing and implementing an experiment in a virtualecology project

A basic understanding of the value, vulnerability, dynamics and sustainable management of tropical coastal ecosystems
Basic experimental design skills plus some simple analytical and statistical techniques
An understanding and appreciation of the local and global threats to tropical coastal ecosystems
An understanding and practical use of spatial planning tools
The process of designing and implementing an experiment in a virtualecology project

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills and knowledge in sustainable management of tropical coastal ecosystems

Led by experts in the field of tropical coastal ecology

Incorporates hands-on virtual ecology projects, providing practical experience

Requires basic understanding of biology and ecology, suitable for intermediate learners

Covers a range of topics related to tropical coastal ecosystems

Reviews summary

Highly recommended course

Learners say this fascinating course about tropical coastal ecosystems is well presented and allows learners to learn a lot. The final project can be a little confusing but if you're patient and persistent, you'll find this course to be really good.

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 Tropical coastal ecosystems with these activities:

Review introductory biology

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Review core biological principles to strengthen understanding of tropical coastal ecosystem dynamics.

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Summarize key concepts of cell biology, genetics, and ecology.
Create flashcards or mind maps to reinforce understanding of biological terms and processes.

Complete online exercises on marine ecology and conservation

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Reinforce understanding and test knowledge of marine ecology concepts through interactive exercises.

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Access and complete exercises on platforms such as Khan Academy or Coursera.
Review and analyze results for areas of improvement.

Explore virtual marine ecosystems

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Gain hands-on experience studying marine ecosystems through interactive simulations.

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Access and navigate virtual marine platforms such as iNaturalist or National Geographic Explorer.
Conduct virtual field surveys and observations.

Four other activities

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Read and analyze 'The Coral Reef: A Natural History' by Ove Hoegh-Guldberg

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Gain in-depth knowledge of coral reef ecosystems, their structure, function, and conservation importance.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read and take notes on key chapters covering coral biology, reef formation, and threats to coral reefs.
Identify key concepts and their relevance to the course material.

Collaborate with peers on a case study of a successful tropical coastal ecosystem restoration project

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Learn from success stories, identify best practices, and gain insights into effective ecosystem management strategies.

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Form small groups and choose a case study of a successful restoration project.
Analyze the project's goals, methods, and outcomes.
Present findings and discuss lessons learned with the class.

Develop a visual presentation on the threats to tropical coastal ecosystems

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Enhance understanding and communication skills by creating a visually engaging presentation on the challenges facing these ecosystems.

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Research and gather data on threats such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
Design and organize slides using clear visuals, graphs, and statistics.
Practice presenting the information effectively.

Participate in a local coastal cleanup or conservation project

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Gain practical experience and contribute directly to the preservation of coastal environments.

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Identify and connect with local organizations involved in coastal conservation.
Participate in cleanup or restoration activities.
Reflect on the experience and its impact on your understanding of coastal ecosystems.

Career center

Learners who complete Tropical coastal ecosystems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Marine Biologist

Marine Biologists study the biology of marine organisms and their interactions with the environment. This course provides a strong foundation for this career by introducing you to the incredible plants and animals that create tropical coastal ecosystems. You will also learn about the challenges these ecosystems face and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marine Biologist

Coral Reef Ecologist

Coral Reef Ecologists study the ecology of coral reefs, including the interactions between the organisms that live there and the physical environment. This course provides a strong foundation for this career by introducing you to the incredible plants and animals that create tropical coastal ecosystems. You will also learn about the challenges these ecosystems face and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Coral Reef Ecologist

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research on a variety of topics, including tropical coastal ecosystems. This course provides a strong foundation for this career by introducing you to the dynamics and processes of these ecosystems. You will also learn about the challenges they face and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Aquaculture Technician

As an Aquaculture Technician, you will work at fish farms and hatcheries to help raise aquatic species for food, research, or conservation. This course is well-suited for this career, because it introduces you to the incredible plants and animals in tropical coastal ecosystems, as well as the challenges they face. The course also provides an understanding of sustainable management of these ecosystems, which is essential for the success of aquaculture operations.

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Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans, including their physical, chemical, and biological properties. This course provides a solid foundation for this career by introducing you to the dynamics and processes of tropical coastal ecosystems. You will also learn about the challenges these ecosystems face and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the biology and behavior of wildlife. This course provides a solid foundation for this career by introducing you to the incredible plants and animals that create tropical coastal ecosystems. You will also learn about the challenges these ecosystems face and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

Fisheries Biologist

Fisheries Biologists study the biology of fish and other aquatic organisms. They also work to manage fisheries and protect aquatic ecosystems. This course provides a strong foundation for this career by introducing you to the incredible plants and animals that create tropical coastal ecosystems. You will also learn about the challenges these ecosystems face and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fisheries Biologist

Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers oversee the management of natural resources, including tropical coastal ecosystems. This course provides a solid foundation for this career by introducing you to the value, vulnerability, and dynamics of these ecosystems. You will also learn about the threats they face and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resource Manager

Coastal Engineer

Coastal Engineers design and build structures to protect coastlines from erosion and flooding. They also work to restore and improve coastal ecosystems. The knowledge and skills you will gain from this course are relevant to this career, including an understanding of the dynamics of tropical coastal ecosystems, the threats they face, and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Coastal Engineer

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists work to protect and manage natural resources, including tropical coastal ecosystems. This course provides a solid foundation for this career by introducing you to the value, vulnerability, and dynamics of these ecosystems. You will also learn about the threats they face and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Park Ranger

Park Rangers protect and manage national parks and other protected areas. This course may be useful for this career by providing you with an understanding of the value and vulnerability of tropical coastal ecosystems. You will also learn about the threats they face and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Park Ranger

Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. This course may be useful for this career by providing you with a solid understanding of tropical coastal ecosystems. You will also learn about the challenges these ecosystems face and the techniques used to manage them.

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Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and how to protect it. This course may be useful for this career by providing you with a solid understanding of tropical coastal ecosystems. You will also learn about the challenges these ecosystems face and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice to businesses and governments on how to reduce their environmental impact. This course may be useful for this career by providing you with an understanding of the value and vulnerability of tropical coastal ecosystems. You will also learn about the threats they face and the techniques used to manage them.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students about a variety of subjects, including science. This course may be useful for this career by providing you with a solid understanding of tropical coastal ecosystems. You will also learn about the challenges these ecosystems face and the techniques used to manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher