Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Biosphere 2, an Icon of Possibilities

Why would anyone build an enormous glass structure in the Arizona desert? In Module 1, you will get a virtual introduction to the engineering marvel that is Biosphere 2. Learn about the fascinating history of Biosphere 2 and how it is currently used as the world’s best research instrument for earth systems science. Discover how the ocean, rainforest, and desert can be studied in one enclosed, three-acre structure in the Arizona desert. With Dr. Joaquin Ruiz, University of Arizona (UA) Vice President for Innovation, Director of Biosphere 2, Dean of UA Science, Geoscientist, and John Adams, Deputy Director, UA Biosphere 2.

Climate Disruption

How do we know that human activity is changing the climate? In Module 2, you will hear from scientists who reconstruct past climates by unlocking information held in ancient trees. Discover how tree rings help us understand drought and wildfire patterns across time and space. Learn what global warming is, exactly, and how it is accelerated by carbon emissions. With Dr. Kevin Anchukaitis, Geography and UA Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, and Dr. David Frank, UA Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research.

The Science of Water Availability

Where is Earth’s water? In Module 3, you will learn about the global water cycle and discover how much water exists, where it exists, and how it moves around the environment. Learn how Biosphere 2 and Critical Zone research are used to study the water cycle. With Dr. Peter Troch, Director of Science at Biosphere 2, UA Hydrology.

Desert Plants, Climate, and Changing Landscapes

How can many different species coexist in once place? In Module 4, go beyond Biosphere 2 to UA Tumamoc Hill—the world’s oldest long-term desert ecology research site near the University of Arizona. Learn how living and nonliving components of the environment are related, how different species coexist, and how climate variation affects Sonoran Desert plants. With Dr. Larry Venable, UA Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.

Rainforests in an Altered World

What can the Biosphere 2 rainforest tell us about the future? Module 5 focuses on tropical rainforests in the Amazon Basin of South America, and the controlled rainforest inside Biosphere 2. Learn about the fascinating activity of tropical forests, the major roles they play in global climate, and the potential impacts of deforestation and climate change. With Dr. Joost Van Haren, Biosphere 2, UA Honors, and Dr. Scott Saleska, UA Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.

Sea Changes in our Marine Environment

Why are coral reefs in peril, and what can we do about it? In Module 6, discover the immense role that oceans play in global climate, heat distribution, and human livelihoods. Learn why global warming is sometimes called ocean warming, how ocean acidification affects marine life, and innovative ways in which the ocean is studied. With Dr. Julia Cole, U. of Michigan, UA Biosphere 2 Marine Research.

Soil Science - Foundations & Implications

How can soil be alive? In Module 7, discover the fascinating, microscopic world within soils and their critical role in Earth systems. Learn how soils provide functions and services that make them vital to our health and wellbeing. With Dr. Rachel Gallery, UA School of Natural Resources and the Environment, and Dr. Katerina Dontsova, UA Soil Water & Environmental Science, Biosphere 2.

Feeding the Future

Can a Mars or Lunar greenhouse help feed people on Earth? In Module 8, learn how space-farming models can be applied on Earth as we move towards a global population of 10 billion people. Discover innovative controlled agricultural systems, learn more about how plants grow, and get a chance to produce your own hydroponically grown vegetables at home! With Dr. Gene Giacomelli, UA Controlled Environment Agriculture Center.

Life and Resources in Space - Should We Go There?

When will humans live beyond Earth’s gravity? Module 9 is a fascinating and inspiring journey into space. Ignite your imagination as you learn about space tourism, asteroid-mining, moon elevators, robotic space explorers, and Mars colonization. While focusing on space, this module is sure to reaffirm your appreciation of Planet Earth. With Dr. Chris Impey, Associate Dean UA College of Science, UA Astronomy.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Begins with basic concepts within earth sciences and builds on them throughout the course

Provides an overview of some of the major challenges facing the Earth's environment

Offers a holistic perspective on the Earth's systems and their interactions

Taught by researchers from University of Arizona, a renowned institution in the field of earth sciences

Involves hands-on activities and data analysis, providing practical experience in earth science research

Uses Biosphere 2 as a study site, allowing for a unique and immersive learning experience

Reviews summary

Excellent educational exploration

According to students, this course is exceptional and highly recommended. Learners say it is easy to follow and very informative. It includes engaging coursework that provides a broader perspective of Earth's science and ecosystems. The course's end modules are particularly well delivered and inspiring and many learners found the final two weeks phenomenal. It does include information on climate change, water availability, biodiversity, and space travel. Note that some links provided in course materials may be broken.

Course videos are informative, interesting, and compelling.

"The lecturers and videos are really interesting and some are quite challenging.A really worthwhile course to study."

"The videos and lectures by various scientists are informative, Interesting, and compelling and have sparked my interest in doing further reading and research."

Course promotes a broader understanding of Earth's science and ecosystems.

"By learning this course, I could have broader perspective for the current scinence in addition to deeper understanding of ecosystem of the earth."

"This course was really fascinating, and I discovered a lot about our biosphere. I enjoyed how well the instructors presented the diverse fields of knowledge."

Students suggest teachers speak in more detail.

"I think the course is very informative, and each teacher is well-prepared for the class. But if possible, hope that teachers could talk more detailed about the topics."

Some links to resources included in the course material are broken.

"My only complaint is that some links to resources are broken, no longer providing access to the material. A few of them I could not find even with my own searching."

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 Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet with these activities:

Review Course Syllabus

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Review the course syllabus to familiarize yourself with the topics that will be covered.

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Read through the course syllabus thoroughly.
Identify the key concepts and topics that will be covered.
Note any prerequisites or background knowledge that is required.

Conduct Self-Assessment of Scientific Literacy

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Take an online assessment to gauge your current level of scientific literacy and identify areas where you may need to focus your studies.

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Visit the National Science Teaching Association website.
Locate the Scientific Literacy Assessment Tool.
Complete the assessment and review your results.

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Career center

Learners who complete Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Plant Geneticist

Plant geneticists are scientists who study the genetics of plants. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of plant genetics, including plant breeding, plant genomics, and plant biotechnology. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in plant genetics will give you the knowledge you need to help develop new plant varieties that are resistant to climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Plant Geneticist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists are scientists who study the environment and the impact of human activity on it. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of environmental science, including environmental chemistry, environmental physics, and environmental biology. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in environmental science will give you the knowledge you need to help protect the environment from the impacts of human activity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Ecologist

Ecologists are scientists who study the interactions between organisms and their environment. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of ecology, including population ecology, community ecology, and ecosystem ecology. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in ecology will give you the knowledge you need to help understand and predict the impacts of human activity on the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ecologist

Water Resources Engineer

Water resources engineers are engineers who design and implement solutions to water resources problems. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of water resources engineering, including water treatment, water distribution, and water conservation. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in water resources engineering will give you the knowledge you need to help design and implement solutions to the challenges of the future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer

Hydrologist

Hydrologists are scientists who study water, including its movement, distribution, and quality. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of hydrology, including surface water hydrology, groundwater hydrology, and water quality. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in hydrology will give you the knowledge you need to help manage water resources in the face of climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Soil Scientist

Soil scientists are scientists who study soil, including its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of soil science, including soil physics, soil chemistry, and soil biology. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in soil science will give you the knowledge you need to help manage soil resources in the face of climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Soil Scientist

Agronomist

Agronomists are scientists who study the production of agricultural crops, with a particular focus on soil management. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of plant science, soil science, and water management, all of which are essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in agriculture will give you the knowledge you need to help farmers adapt to the challenges of the future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agronomist

Zoologist

Zoologists are scientists who study animals, including their behavior, ecology, and evolution. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of zoology, including animal behavior, animal ecology, and animal evolution. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in zoology will give you the knowledge you need to help understand and predict the impacts of climate change on animals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Zoologist

Landscape Architect

Landscape architects are designers who create and manage outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, and other public spaces. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of landscape architecture, including landscape design, landscape planning, and landscape management. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in landscape architecture will give you the knowledge you need to help design and manage outdoor spaces that are resilient to climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Natural Resources Manager

Natural resources managers are scientists who manage natural resources, including forests, water, and minerals. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of natural resources management, including natural resources law, natural resources economics, and natural resources policy. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in natural resources management will give you the knowledge you need to help manage natural resources in the face of climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resources Manager

Oceanographer

Oceanographers are scientists who study the oceans, including their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of oceanography, including ocean circulation, ocean chemistry, and marine biology. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in oceanography will give you the knowledge you need to help understand and predict the impacts of climate change on the oceans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists are scientists who study the conservation of natural resources, including plants, animals, and ecosystems. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of ecology, conservation biology, and environmental science. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in conservation will give you the knowledge you need to help protect the environment from the impacts of human activity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers are engineers who design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of environmental engineering, including water treatment, air pollution control, and solid waste management. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in environmental engineering will give you the knowledge you need to help design and implement solutions to the challenges of the future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Forester

Foresters are scientists who manage forests and other natural resources. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of forestry, including forest ecology, forest management, and forest economics. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of climate change in forestry will give you the knowledge you need to help manage forests in the face of climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forester

Botanist

Botanists are scientists who study plants, including their structure, growth, reproduction, and classification. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the basics of plant biology, including plant physiology, anatomy, and genetics. Additionally, the course's emphasis on the role of plants in the environment will give you the knowledge you need to help conserve and protect plant species.

See salaries and explore the career path for Botanist

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet.

Harvesting the Biosphere

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Provides an overview of the Earth's biosphere, including its history, structure, and function. It would be valuable to students in this course as a means of providing background information on the Earth's biosphere and its relationship to climate change.

Harvesting the Biosphere: What We Have Taken from...

Paperback

Harvesting the Biosphere: What We Have Taken from...

Kindle Edition

The Global Climate System

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Provides an overview of the Earth's atmosphere and climate, including their history, structure, and function. It would be valuable to students in this course as a means of providing background information on the Earth's atmosphere and climate and their relationship to climate change.

The Global Climate System: Patterns, Processes, and...

Hardcover

$$$$

The Global Climate System: Patterns, Processes, and...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Indian Plate and Its Epic Voyage from Gondwana to...

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Provides an overview of the relationship between plate tectonics and climate change, including its history, structure, and function. It would be valuable to students in this course as a means of providing background information on the relationship between plate tectonics and climate change.

The Restless Indian Plate and Its Epic Voyage from...

Paperback

$$$

Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystems

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Provides an overview of the ecology of tropical rainforests. It would be valuable to students in this course as a means of providing additional information on the topic of tropical rainforest ecology and its relevance to the study of climate change.

Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystems: Biogeographical...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Encyclopedia of Soil Science

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Provides an overview of the principles of soil science. It would be valuable to students in this course as a means of providing background information on the role of soil in the Earth system and its relationship to climate change.

Encyclopedia of Soil Science

Kindle Edition

$$$$

Encyclopedia of Soil Science - Two-Volume Set...

Hardcover

$$$$

The End of the River

Save

Provides a popular account of the oceans, including their history, structure, and function. It would be valuable to students in this course as a means of providing background information on the oceans and their relationship to climate change.

The End of the River

Kindle Edition

Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet

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Reviews summary

Excellent educational exploration

Activities

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