Aeroecology: Exploring Biodiversity with Radar from Coursera

Learn how aeroecology, a discipline that studies airborne life forms, has been revolutionised with the use of radar with this unique course. This course is designed to help scientists, researchers as well as ecology enthusiasts to develop skills in using radar to explore biodiversity.

You will explore the origins and evolution of radar from a military technology to a powerful tool with multiple scientific applications, including aeroecology. You will then be introduced to studying global biodiversity trends and learn how to evaluate traditional methods and emerging technologies used by scientists to monitor the natural world.

You will then delve deeper to understand how radar science can be used to measure and monitor biodiversity and evaluate its advantages over existing methods of biodiversity measurement.

Through real life case studies, you will learn how to interpret data visualisations and radar data output, how to quantify the biomass of species, and you will discover the taxonomic limits of the technology.

By the end of the course, you will have explored how this new field of study can be used to transform biological and agricultural research as well as inform environmental regulation and policy.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 - Fundamentals of radar science and biodiversity research

This first week of content will give you a basic understanding of radar science and biodiversity science. At the end of the week, we will bring the two research areas together and consider how they can inform one another. In the second week, we will explore the more technical aspects of radar aeroecology. We will look at the important and neglected questions that radar can address in biodiversity science, and how radar data can complement other sources of information about the natural world. You will end week 2 with an opportunity to generate your own research idea that builds on your new understanding.

Week 2 - Advantages and limits of aeroecology in context

Welcome to week two of this course on Aeroecology: exploring biodiversity with radar. In week one of the course, you were introduced to the fundamentals of radar science and biodiversity research, then we brought the two together to explore how the two disciplines can work together to generate biological information from radar data. Week two will develop that initial overview to examine some of the key gaps in our understanding of ecosystems. We will start by looking at how we measure abundance in biodiversity research, and why this is important in an ecological context. We will then move on to look at the importance of measuring diversity, and the extent to which radar is able to do so. I will illustrate these abundance and diversity topics with a range of case studies to show you how radar is currently being applied in some areas. In the final part of the course, we will take a step back and survey the field for future opportunities. The optional assessment involves you as learners becoming practitioners yourselves and exploring these opportunities to find a research area that might be of interest to you.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in the use of radar in biodiversity exploration

Taught by Christopher Hassall, a recognized expert in aeroecology

Builds a strong foundation for understanding the use of radar in aeroecology

Covers the latest advancements in radar technology as applied to biodiversity research

Provides practical examples and case studies to illustrate the application of radar in biodiversity research

May not be suitable for individuals with no background in ecology or radar science

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 Aeroecology: Exploring Biodiversity with Radar with these activities:

Recap basic radar principles

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Refresh your knowledge of fundamental radar principles, which will enhance your comprehension of radar aeroecology techniques.

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Review the basics of radar systems, including transmitters, receivers, and antennas.
Recall the principles of electromagnetic wave propagation and scattering.

Review linear algebra concepts

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Ensure a solid foundation in linear algebra, which is essential for understanding data analysis techniques used in radar aeroecology.

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Revisit basic concepts of linear algebra, such as vectors, matrices, and matrix operations.
Practice solving linear algebra problems.

Compile a literature review on radar aeroecology applications

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Synthesize existing knowledge in radar aeroecology by conducting a thorough literature review, which will expand your understanding of the field's current state and future directions.

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Search for and gather relevant academic papers, articles, and reports on radar aeroecology.
Read and analyze the collected literature, identifying key themes and research gaps.
Organize and summarize the findings into a coherent literature review.
Identify emerging trends and potential areas for further research.

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Discuss the ethical implications of using radar aeroecology

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Engage in discussions with peers to critically examine the ethical considerations surrounding the use of radar aeroecology, fostering a responsible approach to research.

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Research and identify the potential ethical issues associated with radar aeroecology.
Prepare talking points and questions for the discussion.
Participate actively in the peer session, sharing your perspectives and listening to others.
Summarize the key ethical considerations and develop guidelines for responsible use.

Calculate biodiversity using radar data

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Practice using the techniques covered in the course to calculate biodiversity metrics from radar data, which will reinforce your understanding of radar aeroecology principles.

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Review the different biodiversity metrics that can be calculated using radar data.
Select a radar dataset and preprocess it.
Calculate the selected biodiversity metrics using the radar data.
Interpret the results and draw conclusions about the biodiversity of the study area.

Explore advanced radar data analysis techniques

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Delve deeper into advanced radar data analysis techniques to enhance your ability to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets.

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Identify the specific advanced techniques relevant to radar aeroecology.
Select and follow video tutorials or online courses on these techniques.
Apply the techniques to real-world radar aeroecology datasets.
Evaluate the results and identify areas for further improvement.

Develop a data visualization tool for radar aeroecology data

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Create a data visualization tool specifically designed for radar aeroecology data, enabling you to present complex data in a clear and accessible way.

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Identify the specific needs and requirements for data visualization in radar aeroecology.
Research and select appropriate data visualization techniques.
Design and develop the data visualization tool.
Test and iterate on the tool to ensure its usability and effectiveness.

Contribute to open-source radar aeroecology software

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Get involved in the open-source community by contributing to radar aeroecology software, gaining practical experience and supporting the advancement of the field.

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Identify open-source radar aeroecology projects.
Select a project and familiarize yourself with its codebase.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements.
Submit your contributions to the project and engage with the community.

Career center

Learners who complete Aeroecology: Exploring Biodiversity with Radar will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Ornithologist

Ornithologists study birds, their behavior, and their habitats. They use a variety of methods to study birds, including field observations, banding, and telemetry. This course provides ornithologists with an introduction to radar science and its applications in ornithology. By understanding how radar can be used to study birds, ornithologists may be able to develop more effective methods for monitoring and managing bird populations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ornithologist

Research Scientist

Research scientists conduct research to advance knowledge in a particular field. They design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish their findings in scientific journals. This course provides research scientists with an introduction to radar science and its applications in scientific research. By understanding how radar can be used to study biodiversity, research scientists may be able to develop more effective methods for conducting research on wildlife populations.

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Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife biologists study wildlife populations, their behavior, and their habitats. They use a variety of methods to study wildlife, including field observations, tracking, and telemetry. This course provides wildlife biologists with an introduction to radar science and its applications in wildlife biology. By understanding how radar can be used to study wildlife, wildlife biologists may be able to develop more effective methods for monitoring and managing wildlife populations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They examine the distribution, abundance, and behavior of organisms, as well as the factors that affect these interactions. This course provides ecologists with an introduction to radar science and its applications in ecological research. By understanding how radar can be used to study biodiversity, ecologists may be able to develop more effective methods for monitoring and managing populations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ecologist

Zoologist

Zoologists study animals, their behavior, and their habitats. They use a variety of methods to study animals, including field observations, laboratory experiments, and molecular biology. This course provides zoologists with an introduction to radar science and its applications in zoology. By understanding how radar can be used to study animals, zoologists may be able to develop more effective methods for monitoring and managing animal populations.

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Remote Sensing Scientist

Remote sensing scientists use data collected from satellites and other remote sensing platforms to study the Earth's surface. They use this data to create maps, monitor changes in the environment, and develop models to predict future changes. This course provides remote sensing scientists with an introduction to radar science and its applications in remote sensing. By understanding how radar can be used to study biodiversity, remote sensing scientists may be able to develop more effective methods for monitoring and mapping the Earth's surface.

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Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists apply the principles of ecology and other natural sciences to protect and manage natural resources and ecosystems. They study the interactions between humans and the environment, and develop and implement plans to conserve and restore natural resources. This course offers a comprehensive overview of aeroecology, a rapidly growing field that combines radar technology with ecological research. By understanding the principles of radar science and how it can be used to study biodiversity, conservation scientists may be able to develop more effective strategies for protecting and managing natural resources.

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Natural Resource Manager

Natural resource managers oversee the management of natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. They develop and implement plans to protect and sustain natural resources, and to ensure that they are used in a sustainable manner. This course provides natural resource managers with an introduction to radar science and its applications in natural resource management. By understanding how radar can be used to study biodiversity, natural resource managers may be able to develop more effective methods for monitoring and managing natural resources.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment and its components, and how human activities affect them. They develop and implement plans to protect and restore the environment, and to mitigate the effects of human activities. This course provides environmental scientists with an introduction to radar science and its applications in environmental science. By understanding how radar can be used to study biodiversity, environmental scientists may be able to develop more effective methods for monitoring and managing environmental impacts.

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Environmental Planner

Environmental planners develop and implement plans to protect and improve the environment. They work with government agencies, businesses, and community groups to develop policies and regulations that protect the environment and promote sustainable development. This course provides environmental planners with an introduction to radar science and its applications in environmental planning. By understanding how radar can be used to study biodiversity, environmental planners may be able to develop more effective plans to protect and improve the environment.

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GIS Analyst

GIS analysts use geographic information systems (GIS) to collect, store, analyze, and display data about the Earth's surface. They use GIS to create maps, models, and other visualizations that can be used to make decisions about land use, natural resource management, and other environmental issues. This course provides GIS analysts with an introduction to radar science and its applications in GIS. By understanding how radar can be used to study biodiversity, GIS analysts may be able to develop more effective methods for collecting, storing, analyzing, and displaying data about the Earth's surface.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface and its human and natural environments. They use a variety of methods to collect and analyze data, including remote sensing, GIS, and field surveys. This course provides geographers with an introduction to radar science and its applications in geography. By understanding how radar can be used to study biodiversity, geographers may be able to develop more effective methods for mapping and monitoring the Earth's surface.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability consultants help businesses and organizations to improve their environmental performance. They develop and implement sustainability plans, and advise clients on how to reduce their environmental impact. This course may be useful for sustainability consultants who want to learn more about aeroecology and how it can be used to assess and manage environmental impacts.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts develop and evaluate policies that affect the environment. They work with government agencies, businesses, and community groups to develop policies that protect the environment and promote sustainable development. This course provides policy analysts with an introduction to radar science and its applications in environmental policy. By understanding how radar can be used to study biodiversity, policy analysts may be able to develop more effective policies to protect and improve the environment.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on environmental issues. They help clients to comply with environmental regulations, develop and implement environmental management plans, and reduce their environmental impact. This course may be useful for environmental consultants who want to learn more about aeroecology and how it can be used to assess and manage environmental impacts.

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Aeroecology

Exploring Biodiversity with Radar

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