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Greg Holder

My name is Greg, I am a shark conservationist and National Geographic Educator. I am also a

I have designed this course to help more people have a comprehensive understanding of the amazing group of species that is Sharks. (We'll also cover Rays too. ).

I have given talks about Sharks to 1000's of people and one common theme is that they don't understand or know much about these animals. This is where I am trying to change this. With better understanding of sharks we will be able to achieve better protection for these vital species.

In this Course you will learn -

Read more

My name is Greg, I am a shark conservationist and National Geographic Educator. I am also a

I have designed this course to help more people have a comprehensive understanding of the amazing group of species that is Sharks. (We'll also cover Rays too. ).

I have given talks about Sharks to 1000's of people and one common theme is that they don't understand or know much about these animals. This is where I am trying to change this. With better understanding of sharks we will be able to achieve better protection for these vital species.

In this Course you will learn -

  • Shark and Ray Evolution

  • Shark and Ray Classification

  • Shark Anatomy

  • Sharks Senses

  • Shark Reproduction

  • Shark Behaviour

  • Shark Identification

  • Threats to Sharks and Conservation

This course is jam packed with useful and interesting information about Sharks that will help you talk confidently about sharks whether your plans are to get into research or conservation of sharks or whether you just want to impress your friends with your immense Shark knowledge.

So if you're ready to learn all about sharks then join me on this course and let's make you a super knowledgeable Shark Enthusiast.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Shark history & evolution
  • Shark and ray classification
  • Shark anatomy & biology
  • Shark identification
  • Shark behaviour
  • Shark senses
  • Shark reproduction

Syllabus

Introduction
Do you know what makes a shark a shark?
What makes a Shark a Shark?
Understand how sharks have evolved, some of the extinct shark species and how they became the modern day sharks.
Read more

Can you identify the photos in this quiz? I will only put photos in that will give you enough information to get the species or family

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of shark biology, behavior, and conservation, which is suitable for both enthusiasts and those considering a career in marine science
Begins with the basics of shark evolution and classification, building a strong foundation for understanding more complex topics such as anatomy and behavior
Examines the threats sharks face and explores conservation efforts, which is crucial for anyone interested in protecting these vulnerable species
Covers the identifying features of various shark species, which is helpful for divers, snorkelers, and anyone interested in marine life
Explores the Mesozoic Era, also known as the Age of the Dinosaurs, which may add color to other topics and subjects related to paleontology
Recommends further reading and viewing materials, which may require learners to seek out additional resources to deepen their understanding

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive guide to sharks and rays

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the world of sharks and rays. Students frequently praise the instructor, Greg, highlighting his passion and extensive knowledge, which makes the complex topics accessible and interesting. The course covers a broad range of subjects, from evolution and anatomy to behavior and conservation, making it suitable for both beginners and those with some prior knowledge seeking a structured overview. While the course content is generally found to be informative and well-structured with helpful quizzes, some students note that it serves primarily as a solid foundation and may not delve deeply enough for those seeking advanced expertise for research purposes.
Quizzes reinforce learning effectively.
"The quizzes after each section were really helpful for checking my understanding and retaining the information."
"I liked the short, relevant quizzes. They helped solidify the concepts taught in the videos."
"Quizzes were a simple but effective way to review key points before moving on."
Highlights importance of protecting species.
"The emphasis on conservation and the threats sharks face was really important and well-covered."
"Learning about how humans impact these animals and what we can do was a significant part of the course for me."
"Appreciated the final section focusing on why conservation matters and what resources are available."
Offers a solid introduction for new learners.
"As someone with no prior knowledge, I found this course perfectly paced and easy to follow."
"A great starting point if you are new to the subject. It lays a very good foundation."
"Didn't feel overwhelmed at all, even though the science can be complex. It's explained well for beginners."
"Perfect for enthusiasts looking to learn the basics without feeling lost."
Covers many aspects of shark and ray biology.
"This course really is an ultimate guide, covering everything I wanted to know from their history to conservation efforts."
"I was impressed by the breadth of topics covered, from anatomy to senses to identification."
"Provided a comprehensive overview of sharks and rays, touching on all the key areas."
"Got a great understanding of shark classification and evolution thanks to the detailed modules."
Teacher is highly knowledgeable and engaging.
"The instructor's passion for sharks is incredibly contagious and makes the learning experience truly enjoyable."
"Greg is very knowledgeable and presents the material clearly and enthusiastically. His background shines through."
"I really appreciated the energy and depth of understanding the teacher brought to each lesson."
"The teacher clearly loves this subject, and it made me love it too. Very informative and well-explained."
Provides broad knowledge, less advanced detail.
"It's a fantastic overview, but if you're looking for in-depth research methods or advanced biology, you'll need more."
"While comprehensive, it stays at a relatively introductory level. Good for enthusiasts, maybe less so for researchers."
"Gives you a great foundation, but I wish it went deeper into specific research topics or complex behaviors."
"Felt like a great starting point, but not enough detail for professional-level study yet."

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 Sharks - The Ultimate Guide with these activities:
Review 'Sharks of the World: A Complete Guide'
Deepen your understanding of shark diversity and identification by studying a comprehensive field guide.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Sharks of the World: A Complete Guide'.
  • Study the sections relevant to shark identification and biology.
  • Compare the book's information with the course content.
Review Basic Marine Biology Concepts
Strengthen your foundation in marine biology to better understand shark-specific concepts.
Browse courses on Marine Biology
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous marine biology courses.
  • Focus on topics like ocean ecosystems and marine animal physiology.
  • Take a short online quiz to test your knowledge.
Create a Shark Identification Guide
Reinforce your shark identification skills by creating a visual guide for common shark species.
Show steps
  • Choose a selection of shark species covered in the course.
  • Gather images and information about their identifying features.
  • Design a visually appealing guide with descriptions and images.
  • Share your guide with other students for feedback.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Volunteer at a Local Aquarium
Enhance your understanding of shark behavior and identification through hands-on experience at an aquarium.
Show steps
  • Contact a local aquarium and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Assist with shark care, feeding, or educational programs.
  • Observe shark behavior and identification in a real-world setting.
Shark Conservation Project
Apply your knowledge of shark threats and conservation by developing a project to address a specific issue.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific threat to sharks in a particular region.
  • Research existing conservation efforts and their effectiveness.
  • Develop a project proposal with clear goals and strategies.
  • Present your project proposal to the class.
Write a Blog Post on Shark Senses
Solidify your understanding of shark senses by explaining them in an engaging blog post.
Show steps
  • Research the different senses sharks use.
  • Write a blog post explaining each sense in simple terms.
  • Include interesting facts and examples.
  • Publish your blog post online and share it with others.
Review 'Conserving Sharks and Rays'
Gain a deeper understanding of shark conservation challenges and solutions by studying a dedicated conservation book.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Conserving Sharks and Rays'.
  • Focus on the sections related to threats and conservation strategies.
  • Reflect on how the book's information relates to the course content.

Career center

Learners who complete Sharks - The Ultimate Guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Conservationist
A conservationist works to protect natural resources and ecosystems. This course helps any conservationist focused on sharks. The course discusses threats to sharks and conservation strategies, which are crucial for any conservationist. Understanding shark behavior, reproduction, and evolution also helps develop effective conservation plans. A conservationist must understand shark identification, which this course covers in detail. This course helps build a strong base for anyone wishing to get into shark conservation.
Marine Biologist
A marine biologist studies marine life and ecosystems, and this course provides a strong foundation in shark biology. A marine biologist would benefit from the detailed information on shark anatomy, senses, reproduction, and behavior. This course's coverage of shark classification and identification would be particularly useful when researching different shark species. A marine biologist may need to know shark evolution and conservation, both subjects covered in this course. Anyone looking to work as a marine biologist, whether conducting research or working in conservation should find this course helpful.
Research Scientist
A research scientist conducts scientific studies and experiments. For a research scientist studying sharks, this course provides relevant background in shark biology and ecology. The information on shark anatomy, senses, and behavior are key to understanding shark biology. The study of evolution and classification is crucial for research. A research scientist would also be helped with the course's sections on identification and conservation. This course is highly relevant to anyone wishing to pursue a role as a research scientist focused specifically on sharks, and this role typically requires an advanced degree.
Educator
An educator teaches others about a particular subject. This course provides a broad and comprehensive understanding of sharks, which an educator can use to teach others. The course covers shark evolution, classification, anatomy, and behavior, which would be highly useful in designing educational programs for various audiences. The course also covers shark identification. The educator could leverage course content discussing conservation to explain real-world issues. This course would help anyone who is looking to teach others about sharks.
Aquarist
An aquarist is responsible for the care and maintenance of aquatic animals in an aquarium. This course helps them learn more about sharks, which are often a very popular attraction. The course's shark identification and behavior sections allow the aquarist to provide the best care for these species. Detailed information on shark anatomy and specific needs covered in the course gives the aquarist the background needed to understand the animals. If an aquarist wants to specialize in dealing with sharks, this course may be very helpful.
Science Communicator
A science communicator shares scientific information with the public through various channels. This course is immensely useful for a science communicator focusing on marine life and sharks. The course's comprehensive knowledge of shark evolution, behavior, and conservation equips them to explain complex information in an accessible way. The course's details about shark anatomy, identification and senses equips the science communicator with rich subject knowledge. If you are a science communicator who wishes to focus on sharks, this course may be a great choice.
Wildlife Filmmaker
A wildlife filmmaker documents animals in their natural habitats. This course gives a wildlife filmmaker a better understanding of shark behavior and ecology. The course covers shark identification, giving a filmmaker the tools they need to identify different species while observing them. Detailed information on shark anatomy and senses also helps when filming. The course covers topics on shark conservation, which is often the focus of nature documentaries. Anyone hoping to document sharks in the ocean should take this course.
Nature Guide
A nature guide leads tours and provides information about the natural environment. This course helps a nature guide who wants to focus on shark-related tours. The course discusses shark identification which allows a nature guide to point out the different features of species to their guests. The information on shark behavior, reproduction, and evolution would help educate guests, adding much more value to their experience. The course can help someone become a better nature guide in shark territory.
Environmental Consultant
An environmental consultant provides expert advice on environmental issues. This course may be useful for an environmental consultant focused on marine ecosystems, particularly those involving sharks. The course's focus on shark conservation and the impacts of human activity on shark populations would be particularly relevant. A consultant must understand shark classification, anatomy, and behavior, which are covered in the course. This course provides a good introduction to sharks for any environmental consultant.
Policy Analyst
A policy analyst evaluates existing policies and develops new ones. This course may be helpful for any policy analyst working in the area of marine conservation who is focusing on sharks. The course covers shark conservation and the threats that sharks face. The course's teaching on shark classification, anatomy, reproduction, and behavior helps an analyst understand what issues might influence policy. This course provides a foundation for influencing marine life protection policy.
Scientific Illustrator
A scientific illustrator creates detailed drawings of scientific subjects. This course may be useful for a scientific illustrator who wishes to draw sharks. The course covers unique features of shark anatomy and adaptations. Learning about external and internal shark anatomy will provide helpful context for any drawing. The course includes details about shark teeth, fins, and dermal denticles that will benefit the artist. This course provides a good introduction to sharks before attempting to draw them.
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist manages the public image of an organization or individual. This course may be useful for a public relations specialist working with a conservation organization that focuses on sharks. The course's focus on shark conservation, evolution, and behavior provides helpful background knowledge for public relations. This course can equip them with a better understanding of the subject which may be used when dealing with the media. This course may be useful for anyone managing public relations in the shark conservation space.
Zookeeper
A zookeeper cares for animals in a zoo. This course may be helpful for a zookeeper or aspiring zookeeper who works with sharks. The course covers shark anatomy, senses, and behavior, all key to caring for sharks. The course also covers shark identification, which may be useful for record keeping. This course provides a good foundation for anyone who works with sharks in a zoo.
Diver
A diver explores underwater environments. This course may be helpful for a diver who often sees sharks, or wishes to specialize in diving with them. The course covers shark identification, which allows the diver to identify different species. The course's information on shark behavior also helps divers to understand how sharks behave. This course also gives an appreciation for the evolutionary history of these creatures. This course may be a good choice for divers who want to learn more about sharks.
Tour Operator
A tour operator organizes and manages tours for travelers. This course may be somewhat helpful for a tour operator running ecotours that feature sharks. The course provides an overview of shark identification, which could be beneficial to tour guides. The material on shark behavior, and conservation can help the tour operator prepare educational material. This course may be helpful to a tour operator looking to enhance the educational content of shark-related tours.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Sharks - The Ultimate Guide.
Comprehensive guide to shark identification, biology, and conservation. It provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of various shark species, making it an invaluable resource for shark enthusiasts and researchers alike. It expands on the shark identification section of the course, providing a more in-depth look at the diversity of sharks. This book is commonly used by marine biologists and conservationists.
Provides a comprehensive overview of shark and ray conservation challenges and solutions. It covers topics such as fisheries management, habitat protection, and international policy. It expands on the threats to sharks and conservation section of the course, providing a more in-depth look at the issues and potential solutions. This book valuable resource for anyone interested in shark and ray conservation.

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