Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet from Coursera

Are you ready to take an incredible journey around Planet Earth and beyond? In this course, you will delve into a world of innovative science and learn from a team of Biosphere 2 and University of Arizona researchers. From plants and soils, to oceans and rainforests, the Moon, Mars, and more, this course is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in science and Earth stewardship.

Learn how a unique research station in the Arizona desert is used to investigate big ideas, such as how Earth systems interact, the effects of climate change, and what our future holds. Go back in time thousands of years with information locked in ancient trees, and travel into an imagined future where humans become Martians. Collect and analyze your own scientific data, discuss big questions with participants from around the world, and gain novel insights and understanding about our wonderfully unique planet.

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.

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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

Science of biosphere 2 and our planet

According to learners, this course is a largely positive experience, offering a unique focus on Biosphere 2 as an instrument for understanding Earth systems and our future. Students praise the excellent and engaging instructors, who are leading scientists in their fields, and appreciate the broad range of topics covered, from climate change and different ecosystems to soil science and space exploration. The course benefits from high production quality, making the content visually appealing and easy to follow. Many find it accessible for general learners, providing a great introduction and a solid foundation in complex environmental issues. However, some suggest that while it offers breadth, it may not provide sufficient depth for advanced learners seeking highly specialized knowledge.

Excellent intro, less depth for advanced learners.

"Provides a great overview but isn't intended for in-depth, advanced study."

"As an introductory course, it covers many topics well, but doesn't go extremely deep into any single one."

"Perfect if you're looking for a broad understanding; advanced students might want more detail."

"I found it a fantastic starting point to explore these fields further."

Professional videos enhance the learning.

"The video quality was excellent, especially the segments filmed inside Biosphere 2."

"High production values made the course visually appealing and professional."

"I was impressed by the quality of the lectures and supplementary materials."

"The course felt very polished and well-produced."

Provides solid understanding of key concepts.

"I feel like I have a much better understanding of Earth systems after taking this course."

"It provided a solid foundation in key environmental science topics."

"I gained valuable insights into current research on climate change and sustainability."

"Helped deepen my appreciation for our planet and its interconnectedness."

Suitable for general science interest learners.

"This course is perfect for anyone with a general interest in science and the environment."

"I didn't need a strong science background to understand and appreciate the material."

"It makes complex scientific concepts approachable for a wider audience."

"A truly engaging experience for lifelong learners."

Wide variety of interconnected scientific subjects.

"The course covers a surprisingly wide range of topics, from tree rings to space farming."

"I appreciated how they connected seemingly disparate subjects like oceans, rainforests, and Mars colonization."

"It gave me a great overview of critical environmental issues and scientific research."

"Modules on climate, water, soils, and different biomes were very informative."

Scientists deliver clear and inspiring lectures.

"The scientists teaching the modules were incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about their work."

"Instructors were enthusiastic, articulate, and made complex topics easy to grasp."

"I really enjoyed hearing directly from the researchers working at Biosphere 2 and UA."

"Their lectures were well-organized and held my attention throughout the module."

Focuses on Biosphere 2's role in research.

"Learning about Biosphere 2 itself and how it functions as a tool to study Earth's systems was fascinating."

"I loved the sections that took us inside Biosphere 2 and showed how experiments are conducted there."

"The focus on Biosphere 2 gave the course a unique perspective that I hadn't encountered before."

"It was amazing to see how they use this unique structure to research real-world problems."

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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

Science of biosphere 2 and our planet

Activities

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