Introduction to Algae from Coursera

This course was produced by the Algae Technology Educational Consortium and UC San Diego with funding from the Algae Foundation, the National Renewable Energy Lab, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Algae are an extremely diverse group of organisms that can be found in almost every ecosystem on the planet, and they play an essential role for life on earth. They are little bio-factories that use the process of photosynthesis to create chemical compounds that we can utilize for food, feed, medicine, and even energy. We’ve brought together some of foremost algae experts from industry and academia to teach you the fundamentals of algae.

This course will cover what algae are, why they are important, and why we are interested in them for both their environmental benefit, as well as their use for products. You will also explore the vast diversity of algae including the characteristics and applications of some of the main types of algae that are in commercial use today.

Later you will learn about algal ecology and how interactions with environment, including pests and predators, affect algal productivity. And finally you will examine the processes of algae bio-manufacturing including production processes, as well as some of the products, benefits, and challenges that impact our ability to make commercially viable products from algae.

What's inside

Syllabus

Algae Basics

This section will cover what algae are, how they've evolved, and how they've transformed our planet. We will also go over how humans have used algae throughout history.

Algal Diversity

Algae are extremely diverse, and in this section you will learn about the main different types.

Algal Ecology

Algae are found almost everywhere and have complex ecologies. This section covers the basics of algal ecology including some of the other organisms they interact with in nature and in industrial settings.

Algae Biomanufacturing Part 1

Algae are studied because of their potential to create products using biomanufacturing. In this section, we will look at how algae is used as an industrial organisms and different examples biomanufacturing technologies.

Algae Biomanufacturing Part 2

In this section we will examine the important steps of algae biomanufacturing. This includes techniques for productive culture growth, harvest, and creating useful products from biomass.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides an overview of algae, their characteristics, applications, and potential as feedstock for bioenergy production

Covers various aspects of algae, including their diversity, ecology, and biomanufacturing processes

Offers a comprehensive study of algae and their potential

Delves into the intricacies of algae biomanufacturing, providing valuable insights into the production and application of algae-based products

Emphasizes the environmental benefits and commercial potential of algae

Reviews summary

Algae applications and processes

According to students, algae biotechnology is a great introduction to using algae for commercial applications, as it covers basic biology and ecology. Learners say professors are engaging and the course is well-structured, easy to follow, and well-paced. Students note that presentations are clear and concise and highly recommend the knowledgeable, enthusiastic instructors and their excellent explanations.

algae instructors are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and excellent.

"Thanks to UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO Professors .. Looking forward more advanced form of course related to algae."

"Thank you...I kindly request the team to post the answer for below question."

"the question was What is the energy source that phototrophic organism used to create food?"

algae presentations are clear and concise.

"I think ways the course could have been better is if the final test had different version to do if you failed the first one."

"I think that would be a better determinant of people's knowledge acquired from the course."

"Thanks for making this course! I'll probably do the next one on Algae Biotech sometime."

Algae professors are engaging and the course is well-structured, easy to follow, and well-paced.

"The Learning Outcomes lists for each video."

"And I liked each of the presenters and their slides, but I did wish they could have pointed to things on the slides or could have circled or highlighted things as they talked about them"

"Thanks for making this course! I'll probably do the next one on Algae Biotech sometime."

Algae biology and ecology cover the basic principles of algae, including their classification, structure, and function.

"It's very interesting, and as a biology major it has really made me interested in including algae in my career."

"I think ways the course could have been better is if the final test had different version to do if you failed the first one."

"I strongly recommend all to take this course....don't miss this awesome oppturnity to know about the most abundant resource which available surrounding us...."

Algae biotechnology focuses on using algae for commercial applications, such as biofuel production and pharmaceutical development.

"The course was a fantastic introduction to algae, covering the basic biology, ecology to commercial applications !"

"I would really recommend this course to all the students of bioprocess technology, botany, biotechnology, and chemistry students."

"I am happy to complete the course. Thanks for the whole team of UC San Diego and Coursera for such amazing work."

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 Introduction to Algae with these activities:

Review basic biology and chemistry concepts

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Reviewing foundational concepts in biology and chemistry will strengthen your understanding of algae biology

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Go through textbooks and online resources
Solve practice problems and quizzes

Solve practice problems on algal ecology

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Practice problems on algal ecology will enhance your understanding of the complex interactions between algae and their environment

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Find practice problems on algal ecology
Attempt to solve the problems on your own
Review solutions to check your understanding

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Career center

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

Algal Production Manager

Algal production managers oversee the cultivation and harvesting of algae for commercial purposes. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing new technologies for algae production. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology and cultivation of algae, which would be essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Algal Production Manager

Phycologist

Phycologists study the biology of algae, including their structure, function, and ecology. They may also work on the cultivation and harvesting of algae for commercial purposes. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Phycologist

Algal Biofuel Production Engineer

Algal biofuel production engineers design and operate algae-based biofuel production facilities. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing new technologies for algae biofuel production. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology and cultivation of algae, as well as in the engineering principles of biofuel production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Algal Biofuel Production Engineer

Algae Biologist

Algae biologists study the biology of algae, including their structure, function, and ecology. They may also work on the development of new algae-based products and technologies. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Algae Biologist

Biotechnologist

Biotechnologists use biological systems to develop new products and technologies. They may also work on the production and marketing of these products and technologies. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be helpful for understanding the potential of algae for biotechnology applications.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment and its components, and work to find solutions to environmental problems. They may also work on the development and implementation of environmental regulations. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be helpful for understanding the role of algae in the environment and in developing solutions to environmental problems.

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Science Writer

Science writers communicate scientific information to the public. They may write for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be helpful for writing about algae-related topics.

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Science Teacher

Science teachers teach science to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They may also develop and implement science curricula. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be helpful for teaching about algae-related topics.

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Marine Biologist

Marine biologists study the biology of marine organisms. They may also work on the conservation and management of marine ecosystems. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be helpful for understanding the role of algae in marine ecosystems.

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Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the biology, chemistry, and physics of the ocean. They may also work on the conservation and management of ocean ecosystems. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be helpful for understanding the role of algae in ocean ecosystems.

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Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They may also work on the conservation and management of ecosystems. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be helpful for understanding the role of algae in ecosystems.

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Conservation Biologist

Conservation biologists work to protect and conserve biodiversity. They may also work on the development and implementation of conservation policies. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be helpful for understanding the role of algae in ecosystems and in developing conservation strategies.

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Limnologist

Limnologists study the biology of inland waters, such as lakes, rivers, and streams. They may also work on the conservation and management of inland water ecosystems. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be helpful for understanding the role of algae in inland water ecosystems.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They may also develop and recommend policy solutions. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be helpful for understanding the role of algae in environmental policy.

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Biochemist

Biochemists study the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. They may also work on the development and production of new drugs and therapies. This course would provide a strong foundation in the biology of algae, which would be helpful for understanding the biochemical processes that occur in algae and for developing new algae-based products and technologies.

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