Women in environmental biology from Coursera

Have you ever wondered how humans relate to other living beings and what do you need to know to be able to understand current environmental problems? Do you know that many of these researches and knowledge have been described by women?

This course gives answers to these questions and it is addressed to anyone interested in the relationship between humans and other living beings, as well as all those concerned about the global change situation that the planet is suffering.

We will learn key concepts of environmental biology, what does the word biodiversity mean, what are the main types of living organisms that exist on the Earth and the importance of these for human beings. We will also learn that the gender perspective plays a key role in how we understand the world and in how science, and in particular, environmental biology, progress.

What is this course useful for? In the current context of global change of the planet, sustainability is a key and transversal concept in many aspects of our life: education, politics, legislation, etc ... Knowing to appreciate the importance of our relationship with the natural environment will facilitate to work on issues related to sustainability with a solid knowledge based on evidence.

On the other hand, there is growing evidence that the gender perspective is a key element in the transformation of many environmental problems on the planet. This course has been designed and developed by a team of women researchers applying the gender perspective in the content and structure of the course. In addition, with this course you will discover many other women who, throughout history, have made key contributions to environmental biology and that will surely allow you to start stretching the thread to know more of them.

What's inside

Syllabus

WOMEN IN ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

Welcome to our course on environmental biology from women perspective. Before getting started, we suggest you to take a couple of minutes to read the information about the course and about the platform as given below.

BIODIVERSITY

Biological diversity is one of the most important values of the Earth. Humans have evolved and coexist with many other types of living beings. We will find out a little bit more about them and about how can we study their main traits.

ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMANS

Living beings live together, in constant interaction with each other and with the natural environment. We will try to understand these relations.

HUMAN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

A good quality natural environment provides multiple benefits for human health and well-being. Sustainable management of forestry, agriculture and fisheries are key for the future.

STRATEGIES FOR THE CONSERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

We need to save the planet. The big question is how to do it. Ecofeminism, a culture of peace and environmental education are some ways to conserve the environment. We will learn from experiences.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores how women relate to other living beings within environmental contexts, which is unique in the industry of environmental biology

Taught by a team of women researchers who apply a gender perspective in the content and structure of the course, which is unique to this course

Teaches how to appreciate the importance of our relationship with the natural environment, which is a highly relevant skill for sustainability work

Shows that the gender perspective is key in understanding environmental problems and in scientific progress, which is a unique angle in environmental biology

Reviews summary

Women in environmental biology: celebrating contributions

Learners say this course is largely positive, providing a thorough study of environmental biology while highlighting the significant contributions of women in the field. Reviews praise the engaging lectures, informative content, and inspiring stories of women's achievements in conservation and environmental science.

Highly knowledgeable instructors provide excellent content.

"The course content was excellent and upto the mark."

"The team was very professional and have knowledge in the different areas offered."

Course highlights the important role of women in environmental biology.

"I love how the course tackled the great contributions of women in Science and as well as in environmental and conservation biology, to advance it as to what it is right now."

"I also especially pleased to note the charisma and competence of the teachers."

Non-native English speakers may find the course difficult to follow due to errors in transcription.

"It was hard for me to get into it because the first week is all over the place."

"Some of them have not been actualized."

Some find the course overwhelming due to the large amount of information presented.

"It is too much information and needs to be narrowed down/ refocused."

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 Women in environmental biology with these activities:

Review biology concepts

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Review foundational biology concepts such as cell structure, genetics, and ecology to strengthen understanding of environmental biology.

Browse courses on Biology

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Read introductory biology textbooks or online resources.
Create flashcards for key terms and concepts.
Solve practice problems related to biological processes.

Practice identifying species

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Engage in exercises to improve species identification skills, enhancing understanding of biodiversity and its importance.

Browse courses on Biodiversity

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Join online forums or groups dedicated to species identification.
Use field guides or mobile apps to practice identifying species.
Participate in citizen science projects focused on biodiversity surveys.

Write a blog post summarizing the key concepts of biodiversity

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Writing a blog post on biodiversity allows you to summarize the basic concepts and will contribute to a deeper understanding.

Browse courses on Biodiversity

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Identify the key concepts of biodiversity: species diversity, genetic diversity, ecosystem diversity
Write a draft of your blog post, explaining these concepts in your own words
Revise and edit your blog post to ensure it is clear and concise

Five other activities

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Practice identifying different types of ecosystems

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Ecosystems are an important aspect of biodiversity, so reinforcing knowledge on this topic will be beneficial.

Browse courses on Ecosystems

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Use online resources or textbooks to learn about the different types of ecosystems
Take practice quizzes or tests to test your knowledge

Follow a tutorial on how to conduct a field study on biodiversity

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Field studies are valuable in environmental biology, and a tutorial will provide detailed steps and instructions.

Browse courses on Biodiversity

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Find a tutorial on how to conduct a field study on biodiversity
Follow the steps in the tutorial carefully
Make sure to document your findings and observations

Volunteer at a local conservation organization

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Volunteering with a conservation group offers practical experience and exposure to real-life projects.

Browse courses on Conservation

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Find a local conservation organization that you are interested in volunteering with
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Complete the necessary training and orientation

Develop a presentation on the benefits of sustainable forestry practices

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Developing a presentation consolidates knowledge and puts into practice the importance of sustainable forestry practices.

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Research the benefits of sustainable forestry practices
Create a presentation outline, including an introduction, body, and conclusion
Develop the content of your presentation, using clear and concise language

Start a project to track the biodiversity in your local area

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Focus on a specific issue and develop your skills of data collection and analysis.

Browse courses on Biodiversity

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Identify a specific area that you want to track the biodiversity in
Choose a method for tracking the biodiversity
Collect data on the biodiversity in your chosen area

Career center

Learners who complete Women in environmental biology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study and work to protect the environment and its ecosystems. They investigate how people and their activities affect the environment, and may create or support policies that will help to protect both humans and the environment. Because environmental science is a vast field, Environmental Scientists can specialize in a variety of subfields. The work of an Environmental Scientist often requires training and knowledge in environmental biology, and this course can introduce you to the subfield and provide a basis for further training.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists work to protect plant and animal species in order to maintain the health and functioning of ecosystems. They apply scientific methods and information to conservation efforts. Because the actions of humans can have a drastic effect on the environment, Conservation Scientists play a key role in ensuring the safety and survival of plants and animals. Training in environmental biology is frequently a prerequisite for a job in Conservation Science, and the information provided in this course can serve as a cornerstone for a career in Conservation Science.

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Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators create educational materials and programs to teach people about the environment and how to protect it. They may work with students of all ages, from young children to adults, and work in a variety of settings, such as schools, nature centers, and museums. While Environmental Educators do not typically need a background in environmental biology, this course can be useful to an Environmental Educator. If an Environmental Educator plans to work with or teach older students, particularly, they may find that the knowledge provided by this course can be helpful.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants help organizations and governments to identify and address environmental problems. They may work on a variety of projects, such as developing environmental management plans, conducting environmental impact assessments, and providing expert testimony. It is common for Environmental Consultants to specialize in particular environmental issues or industries. An Environmental Consultant would likely engage deeply with the concepts of environmental science as part of their work. This course may be helpful for those who are looking for a broad understanding of environmental science, which can serve as a basis for future specialized training.

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Environmental Analyst

Environmental Analysts collect and analyze environmental data to help make informed decisions about environmental issues. They may work for government agencies, environmental consulting firms, or other organizations. An Environmental Analyst may specialize in environmental biology or environmental science more generally. The information provided in this course can serve as a foundation for a role in this field.

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Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers use their knowledge of environmental laws and regulations to help protect the environment. They may work for government agencies, environmental organizations, or private law firms. While it is not a common requirement, a background in environmental science can be helpful to an Environmental Lawyer as it provides a context for understanding environmental issues.

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Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They may specialize in a particular type of organism, such as plants, animals, or microorganisms. Ecologists use their knowledge to help protect and manage ecosystems. Training in environmental biology is foundational for Ecologists, and this course may be useful for both students and professionals who are looking to develop a deeper understanding of ecological principles.

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Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers oversee the management of natural resources, such as forests, parks, and wildlife. They develop and implement plans to protect and conserve these resources. Natural Resource Managers can specialize in a particular resource or type of natural area. Training in environmental science is required for many Natural Resource Manager roles, and this course can serve as a foundational introduction to the principles of this field.

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Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the behavior, habitat, and conservation of wild animals. They may work for government agencies, research institutions, or environmental organizations. Wildlife Biologists are commonly required to have a background in environmental science, though they often specialize in a particular animal group or ecosystem.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts develop and analyze environmental policies. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or other organizations. A background in environmental science can be helpful, but it is not required for this role.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability plans for organizations. They may work in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. While a background in environmental science is not required, it can be helpful for Sustainability Managers as they work with environmental data and stakeholders to make decisions about the organization's environmental impact.

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Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists study the effects of environmental factors on human health. They may work for government agencies, research institutions, or private companies. While a background in environmental science is not always required, it can be helpful.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They may work for government agencies, consulting firms, or private companies. A background in environmental science is helpful, but not required, for this role.

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Climate Scientist

Climate Scientists study climate change and its effects on the planet. They may work for government agencies, research institutions, or environmental organizations. While a background in environmental science is preferred, it is not always required.

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Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists collect and analyze evidence to help solve crimes. While they may specialize in a particular area, such as DNA analysis or ballistics, Forensic Scientists often have a background in natural sciences. Environmental biology may be helpful for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in Forensic Science.

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