Mountains 101 from Coursera

Mountains 101 is a broad and integrated overview of the mountain world. This 12-lesson course covers an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on the physical, biological, and human dimensions of mountain places in Alberta, Canada, and around the world. Specifically, we'll study the geological origins of mountains, how they’re built-up and worn-down over time; we’ll learn about their importance for biodiversity and water cycles, globally and locally; we’ll explore their cultural significance to societies around the globe, and how that relationship has evolved over time; and we’ll learn how mountains are used, how they’re protected, and how today they’re experiencing rapid change in a warming climate.

At the end of each lesson, Mountains 101 will also provide learners with some smart tricks -- Tech Tips -- to safely enjoy time in the high alpine environment: from how to pick the best footwear for hiking to making smart decisions in avalanche terrain.

We’ll be delivering your online lessons from valley bottoms to mountaintops, from museums and labs, to alpine huts and other spectacular alpine sites, and we’ll do so with the help of a whole host of experts.

We invite you to join us for this online adventure! The mountains are calling...

What's inside

Syllabus

Lesson 1: Why Mountains Matter

In this introductory lesson, you will learn why mountain environments are relevant to people all around the globe. We’ll also define just what a “mountain” is in order to show why it is useful to think about mountains from various perspectives. TechTip: Your feet are your vehicle

Lesson 2: Origins

In Lesson 2, we discuss why mountains are located where they are. How did they get there? We’ll explore the physical origins of mountains, theories of mountain building, and how our changing ideas about mountains and their genesis have shaped our engagement with them. TechTip: Dress for success

Lesson 3: Climate

Mountains influence climate and weather at both global and local scales. In Lesson 3, we will examine how elevation affects atmospheric processes, and discuss an ecological manifestation of mountain climate: the alpine tree line. TechTip: What goes in your pack?

Lesson 4: Bodies at Altitude

Lesson 4 explores some of the physiological responses that allow humans to visit higher altitudes, as well as the unique genetic adaptations that permit long-time exposure to the world’s high places. TechTip: Stay found – preparation

Lesson 5: Water Towers

Lesson 5 focuses on mountain hydrology. We'll discuss the ways that water moves through the mountain landscape, how water shapes and changes mountain landscapes, and we'll introduce some hazards associated with water, such as glacial lake outburst floods. TechTip: Stay found – in the field

Lesson 6: Glaciers

Lesson 6 focuses exclusively on glaciers, their physical composition and processes, how they form and move, and how they modify the landscape. We’ll also examine how our changing understandings of glaciers have shaped the ways people have engaged with mountain landscapes over the past few centuries. TechTip: Stay safe – from falling

Lesson 7: Imagination

In Lesson 7, we examine some of the ways people have imagined mountains throughout time, and try to place those ideas and attitudes in their respective cultural contexts. Appreciating the diversity of views – their reception in oral traditions, art, literature, architecture, and other cultural forms – gives us some context for the more dominant ways we think about and celebrate mountains today. TechTip: Stay safe – winter challenges

Lesson 8: Hazards

Mountain hazards are the focus of Lesson 8, specifically snow avalanches, landslides, and volcanoes. We will examine the physical processes that lead to instability in mountain landscapes and consider how risks associated with hazards can be managed. TechTip: Stay safe – avalanche safety (know before you go)

Lesson 9: Mountain Biodiversity and Adaptations of Plants

In this Lesson 9, we discuss the ecological and evolutionary processes that account for the remarkable biodiversity of species living in mountain environments. Then, we explore some of the unique adaptations that plants have for coping with extreme conditions, including cold, intense solar radiation, and short growing seasons. TechTip: Go farther – camping

Lesson 10: Animal Adaptations

Animals living in mountains have evolved morphological, behavioural, and physiological adaptations to survive under extreme conditions. In Lesson 10, we will focus on how several species deal with the cold and conclude with a peek at the adaptations of fish living in mountain lakes. TechTip: Go farther – cooking

Lesson 11: Use and Preservation

How are mountains used? How are they preserved? In Lesson 11, we examine the often conflicting demands of using mountains, and preserving and managing the integrity of mountain environments, cultures and economies. TechTip: Go softly – mountain ethics

Lesson 12: Future Mountains

In Lesson 12, we will look forward and consider some possible future scenarios for mountains. How is our changing climate affecting these places? What are the indicators of change? What lessons can we learn from the past and present to inform decisions for tomorrow?

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners

Examines highly relevant topics to industry and academia

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in the field

Offers a broad and interdisciplinary overview of mountain environments

Reviews summary

Mountains 101

**Learners say:** *Mountains 101* is a largely positive course that provides a comprehensive overview of the physical and human dimensions of the world's mountains. The course is well-organized and presented with a variety of multimedia resources, guest speakers, and interactive elements. **Instructors:** Zac Robinson and David Hik are praised for their clear and engaging teaching style, and their enthusiasm for the subject matter is evident throughout the course. **Key features:** - Provides a broad overview of mountains, covering topics such as geology, geography, ecology, climate change, and human impacts. - Features interviews with experts from a variety of fields, including scientists, mountaineers, and conservationists. - Includes interactive elements, such as a map of mountain locations and tech tips for mountain hikers. - Complements lectures with readings, discussion forums, and quizzes. **Cons:** - Some learners found the course to be too introductory or lacking in depth in certain areas. - Quizzes may not be challenging enough for some learners. **Overall:** *Mountains 101* is a well-received course that is suitable for learners of all levels who are interested in learning more about mountains. The course is informative, engaging and provides a solid foundation for further study in this area.

The course includes interactive elements, such as quizzes, discussion forums, and a map of mountain locations. These activities help students to engage with the material and to test their understanding.

"The course includes interactive elements, such as quizzes, discussion forums, and a map of mountain locations."

"These activities help students to engage with the material and to test their understanding."

The course covers a wide range of topics related to mountains, including their geology, ecology, and cultural significance. This provides students with a comprehensive understanding of these complex and fascinating ecosystems.

"The course covers a wide range of topics related to mountains, including their geology, ecology, and cultural significance."

"This provides students with a comprehensive understanding of these complex and fascinating ecosystems."

The presentations are engaging and accessible, featuring a variety of guest speakers, videos, and interactive elements. This makes the learning experience enjoyable and helps students to stay motivated throughout the course.

"The presentations are engaging and accessible, featuring a variety of guest speakers, videos, and interactive elements."

"This makes the learning experience enjoyable and helps students to stay motivated throughout the course."

This course serves as a solid foundation for understanding mountains, their impact on the environment, and the challenges they face. It covers a range of topics, including geology, climate change, and human-environment interactions, providing a holistic view of mountain ecosystems.

"This course serves as a solid foundation for understanding mountains, their impact on the environment, and the challenges they face."

"It covers a range of topics, including geology, climate change, and human-environment interactions, providing a holistic view of mountain ecosystems."

While the course provides a comprehensive overview of mountains, some students may find that it lacks depth in certain areas. For example, the course may not provide enough detail on specific topics, such as mountain geology or ecology.

"While the course provides a comprehensive overview of mountains, some students may find that it lacks depth in certain areas."

"For example, the course may not provide enough detail on specific topics, such as mountain geology or ecology."

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 Mountains 101 with these activities:

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Review materials periodically
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Career center

Learners who complete Mountains 101 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Engineer

An **Environmental Engineer** designs solutions to improve the quality of air, water, and land. They work to protect human health and the environment. The Mountains 101 course can be a valuable learning experience for someone in this field. The course covers topics such as the impact of human activities on the environment and how to protect ecosystems. This knowledge can be valuable to an Environmental Engineer who is working to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

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Geologist

A **Geologist** studies the Earth's physical structure and history. They work to understand the processes that shape the Earth's surface and identify natural resources. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the geological processes that create mountains. This knowledge can be valuable to a Geologist who is working to understand the Earth's history and identify natural resources.

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Hydrologist

A **Hydrologist** studies the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth. They work to understand the water cycle and how it is affected by human activities. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the hydrological processes that occur in mountain environments. This knowledge can be valuable to a Hydrologist who is working to understand the water cycle and manage water resources.

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Glaciologist

A **Glaciologist** studies glaciers and ice caps. They work to understand the processes that form and move glaciers and how they are affected by climate change. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the physical processes that create glaciers. This knowledge can be valuable to a Glaciologist who is working to understand glaciers and climate change.

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Conservationist

A **Conservationist** works to protect and preserve natural resources. They work to develop and implement conservation plans and policies. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the environmental issues facing mountain environments. This knowledge can be valuable to a Conservationist who is working to develop and implement conservation plans and policies.

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Ecologist

An **Ecologist** studies the interactions between organisms and their environment. They work to understand how ecosystems function and how they are affected by human activities. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the ecological processes that occur in mountain environments. This knowledge can be valuable to an Ecologist who is working to understand ecosystems and manage natural resources.

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Environmental Planner

An **Environmental Planner** develops and implements plans to protect the environment. They work with communities, businesses, and government agencies to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the environmental issues facing mountain environments. This knowledge can be valuable to an Environmental Planner who is working to develop and implement plans to protect the environment.

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Environmental Scientist

An **Environmental Scientist** studies the environment and its components. They work to understand the impact of human activities on the environment and how to protect it. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the environmental issues facing mountain environments. This knowledge can be valuable to an Environmental Scientist who is working to understand the environment and protect it.

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Geotechnical Engineer

A **Geotechnical Engineer** designs and builds structures that are safe and stable. They work to understand the properties of soil and rock and how they can be used to support structures. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the geological processes that create mountains. This knowledge can be valuable to a Geotechnical Engineer who is working to understand the properties of soil and rock and how they can be used to support structures.

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Science Writer

A **Science Writer** communicates complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience. They work to make science accessible and engaging to the public. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the scientific research that is being conducted in mountain environments. This knowledge can be valuable to a Science Writer who is working to communicate complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience.

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Outdoor Educator

An **Outdoor Educator** teaches people about the natural world. They work to promote environmental awareness and stewardship. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the environmental issues facing mountain environments. This knowledge can be valuable to an Outdoor Educator who is working to teach people about the natural world and promote environmental awareness and stewardship.

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Park Ranger

A **Park Ranger** protects and manages natural resources in parks and other protected areas. They work to ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience while also protecting the environment. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the environmental issues facing mountain environments. This knowledge can be valuable to a Park Ranger who is working to protect and manage natural resources.

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Cartographer

A **Cartographer** creates maps and other visual representations of geographic data. They work to ensure that maps are accurate and easy to use. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the geography of mountain environments. This knowledge can be valuable to a Cartographer who is working to create maps and other visual representations of geographic data.

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Museum curator

A **Museum Curator** manages and interprets museum collections. They work to make museum collections accessible to the public and promote learning. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the history and culture of mountain environments. This knowledge can be valuable to a Museum Curator who is working to manage and interpret museum collections.

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Geographer

A **Geographer** studies the Earth's surface and its human and physical features. They work to understand the interactions between people and the environment. The Mountains 101 course may be useful for someone interested in this career because it provides an overview of the physical and human geography of mountain environments. This knowledge can be valuable to a Geographer who is working to understand the interactions between people and the environment.

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