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Ecology

Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation

Ana Luz Porzecanski

4.8

Based on 3,367 ratings

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Ana Luz Porzecanski

This course is an introduction to ecology and ecosystem dynamics using a systems thinking lens. Through a case study on Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park, learners will explore how scientists study ecosystems, and investigate the complex array of factors that inform management efforts. At the end of the course, learners will be able to grapple with real-world conservation questions, such as whether an ecosystem can recover from anthropogenic disruption and what role humans can, and should, play in that recovery.

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Syllabus

Can an Ecosystem Recover?

We begin in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, and pose the question: Can this ecosystem recover after a 15-year civil war? To answer this question, learners must first consider what they need to know—what are the parts that make up this ecosystem, and how do they interact and work together? How do ecosystems react to disruption? How do we know? We will begin to explore the ecosystem as a dynamic whole rather than as a collection of parts, considering how changes might affect the system in a variety of ways. This application of a systems thinking lens to understanding ecosystems will be a common theme throughout the course.

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Develops a systems thinking approach to ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which is highly relevant in environmental science

Illustrates ecological concepts through a real-world case study of Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park, making the subject matter relatable and engaging

Examines the role of humans in ecosystems and explores approaches to balance human needs with biodiversity, addressing a crucial aspect of environmental management

Covers a comprehensive range of topics, from population ecology to ecosystem services and climate change, providing a solid foundation in ecosystem dynamics

Emphasizes the importance of understanding ecosystem recovery, which is critical knowledge in the face of environmental challenges

Provides a solid foundation for students pursuing further studies in ecology or related fields, as it builds a strong conceptual understanding of ecosystems

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Reviews summary

Ecology: systems, dynamics, and conservation

According to learners, this course offers a highly positive introduction to ecology and conservation through a compelling case study of Gorongosa National Park. Students appreciate the clear explanations and the application of a systems thinking lens, which provides a valuable perspective on complex environmental issues. The course is often described as engaging and well-structured, serving as a solid foundation for understanding ecosystem dynamics and human impact. While broadly praised, some suggest the course provides a foundational overview and learners interested in deeper, professional-level detail may need additional resources or advanced study.

Good introduction, but may need more depth for professional use.

"While great for an introduction, professionals might find it lacks the depth needed for practical application."

"The course is comprehensive for beginners but serves more as a stepping stone to more advanced studies in ecology."

"I got a good overview, but I'll need to seek out additional resources for more detailed knowledge."

Provides a strong introduction to ecosystem dynamics and conservation.

"This course provided me with a great foundation in ecology and conservation principles."

"It's an excellent introductory course for anyone interested in learning about how ecosystems work and how they can be conserved."

"Gave me a solid understanding of key concepts before moving on to more advanced topics."

Learners found the explanations clear and valued the systems approach.

"The course clearly explained complex ecological concepts and the systems thinking approach was very insightful."

"I found the focus on systems thinking to be a really unique and helpful way to understand ecosystems."

"The material was presented in an easy-to-understand way, even for someone new to ecology."

The Gorongosa case study is a highlight for many learners.

"The Gorongosa case study is brilliant. It kept me engaged throughout the course."

"Using Gorongosa National Park as the central theme made the concepts relatable and interesting."

"The real-world example of Gorongosa really helped bring the ecosystem concepts to life and made it very practical."

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 Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation with these activities:

Read "Ecology: The Economy of Nature"

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Supplement your learning of the basic concepts that underlie ecology, including the interactions between organisms and their environment.

View Ecology: From Individuals To Ecosystems on Amazon

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Read one chapter of the book each week.
Create a summary of each chapter you read.

Create a concept map of ecosystem dynamics

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Enhance your understanding of the interconnections and relationships within an ecosystem by creating a visual representation.

Browse courses on Ecosystem Dynamics

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Identify the key concepts and processes involved in ecosystem dynamics.
Create a visual representation of the concepts and their relationships.

Monitor and analyze a local wildlife population

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Extend your understanding of population dynamics by actively engaging in data collection and analysis.

Browse courses on Population Ecology

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Choose a local wildlife population to monitor.
Develop a monitoring plan.
Collect data on the population.
Analyze the data and track changes in the population over time.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Host a study group on population ecology

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Reinforce your understanding of course concepts by actively teaching and explaining them to your peers.

Browse courses on Population Ecology

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Gather a group of classmates or colleagues.
Choose a topic in population ecology to discuss.
Prepare a presentation on the topic.
Facilitate the discussion and answer questions.

Practice using the Gorongosa National Park dataset

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Gain hands-on experience working with real data to validate the concepts of ecosystem dynamics.

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Access the data from the Gorongosa National Park website.
Clean and prepare the data for analysis.

Attend a workshop on ecosystem modeling

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Learn advanced techniques for simulating and predicting ecosystem behavior to supplement the theory covered in the course.

Browse courses on Ecosystem Modeling

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Research workshops on ecosystem modeling.
Register for a workshop and attend the sessions.

Design a plan for restoring a local ecosystem

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Synthesize the knowledge you gained in this course to propose a real-world solution to an environmental problem.

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Choose a local ecosystem.
Research the ecosystem and identify the threats it faces.
Develop a plan to restore the ecosystem.

Career center

Learners who complete Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Ecologist

Ecologists study the distribution, abundance, and behavior of organisms in their environments. They may work in the field, studying animal populations and ecosystems, or in the laboratory, analyzing data and developing models. This course provides a strong foundation in the science of ecology and can help Ecologists understand the complex interactions between organisms and their environments. The course's focus on ecosystem dynamics and conservation will be particularly relevant to Ecologists who work in applied fields such as conservation biology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ecologist

Fish and Wildlife Biologist

Fish and Wildlife Biologists study the biology, ecology, and management of fish and wildlife populations. They may work in the field, collecting and analyzing data, or in the laboratory, conducting experiments and developing models. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Fish and Wildlife Biologists to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Fish and Wildlife Biologists who work in the field of wildlife management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fish and Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the biology, ecology, and management of wildlife populations. They may work in the field, collecting and analyzing data, or in the laboratory, conducting experiments and developing models. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Wildlife Biologists to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Wildlife Biologists who work in the field of wildlife management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components, including air, water, land, and living organisms. They may work in the field, collecting and analyzing data, or in the laboratory, conducting experiments and developing models. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Environmental Scientists to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Environmental Scientists who work in the field of environmental protection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Park Ranger

Park Rangers protect and manage natural resources in parks and other protected areas. They may also provide educational programs for visitors. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Park Rangers to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Park Rangers who work in the field of natural resource management.

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Natural Resources Manager

Natural Resources Managers plan and manage the use of natural resources such as forests, water, and minerals. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or businesses. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Natural Resources Managers to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Natural Resources Managers who work in the field of natural resource management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resources Manager

Zoologist

Zoologists study the biology, ecology, and behavior of animals. They may work in the field, studying animal populations and ecosystems, or in the laboratory, analyzing data and developing models. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Zoologists to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Zoologists who work in the field of wildlife management.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants help businesses and organizations comply with environmental regulations and reduce their impact on the environment. They may also develop and implement environmental management plans, conduct environmental impact assessments, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Environmental Consultants to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Environmental Consultants who work in the field of environmental protection.

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Forester

Foresters manage forests and other natural resources. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or businesses. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Foresters to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Foresters who work in the field of forest management.

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Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators develop and implement educational programs that teach people about the environment. They may work in schools, museums, nature centers, or other settings. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Environmental Educators to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Environmental Educators who want to teach about the importance of protecting the environment.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that protect the environment. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or businesses. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Environmental Policy Analysts to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Environmental Policy Analysts who work in the field of environmental protection.

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Teacher

Teachers develop and implement educational programs for students of all ages. They may work in schools, museums, nature centers, or other settings. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Teachers to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Teachers who want to teach about the importance of protecting the environment.

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Water Resource Manager

Water Resource Managers plan and manage the use of water resources. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or businesses. This course provides a strong foundation in ecology and ecosystem dynamics, which are essential for Water Resource Managers to understand. Additionally, the course's focus on conservation will be helpful for Water Resource Managers who work in the field of water resource management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resource Manager

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists develop policies, guidelines, and restoration plans that protect or restore habitats, ecosystems, plant and animal species, and natural resources. This course may be useful in developing an understanding of the complex array of factors that inform management efforts. Additionally, this course's focus on studying ecosystem dynamics, species coexistence, and the flow of energy and matter through different parts of the environment, will be useful to anyone working in this field.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. They may write for magazines, newspapers, websites, or other media outlets. This course may be useful in developing an understanding of the complex array of factors that inform management efforts. Additionally, this course's focus on studying ecosystem dynamics, species coexistence, and the flow of energy and matter through different parts of the environment, will be useful to anyone working in this field.

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Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation.

Fundamentos de Ecología

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This classic textbook provides a comprehensive and in-depth treatment of ecology, covering a wide range of topics, from the individual organism to the ecosystem level. It valuable reference for those seeking a more thorough understanding of the field.

Ecology

Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Ecology: systems, dynamics, and conservation

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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