Nitrogen: A Global Challenge from edX

It’s a perfect storm. Limited food, water and energy unequally spread between an expanding population, and a warming climate as the bitter icing on the cake. In all these global challenges nitrogen has a leading role to play. Here you will learn just how hard-wired into all of human civilisation nitrogen is, and whether the future will see it as our quiet savior or the toxic villain of the piece.

Nitrogen’s story is of the peculiar and the mundane, of water turning red and people turning blue. It is one of climate friend and pollution foe, of meaty feasts and looming famine. If your main thought of nitrogen is as a boring corner of the periodic table then it’s time to look again.

This innovative course, regardless of your background, will teach you core concepts about nitrogen and global change, allowing you to better understand the challenges and opportunities it represents. Key topics include food security, climate change, air pollution, water pollution, human health and more.

Learn through the award-winning teaching approaches of the University of Edinburgh’s faculty team. This course brings an engaging and expert approach to the global challenges of nitrogen, showing how the threats it poses for human civilization can be better integrated and tackled.

Taught by instructors with decades of experience in nitrogen and global change research, this world-first course is a collaboration between leading experts in the UK and India as part of the Newton-Bhabha Virtual Centre on Nitrogen Efficiency.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn about the global nitrogen challenge, how nitrogen has helped human civilization to develop, and how its misuse now threatens us
Discover how fundamental nitrogen is to agriculture and food security
Understand the role of nitrogen in air pollution and its impact on human health

Learn how nitrogen can pollute our water and the risks that then arise
Examine the solutions to the global challenges of nitrogen and how we can better manage this precious element

Learn about the global nitrogen challenge, how nitrogen has helped human civilization to develop, and how its misuse now threatens us
Discover how fundamental nitrogen is to agriculture and food security
Understand the role of nitrogen in air pollution and its impact on human health
Learn how nitrogen can pollute our water and the risks that then arise
Examine the solutions to the global challenges of nitrogen and how we can better manage this precious element

Syllabus

Week 1: Global Nitrogen Challenge Introduction to nitrogen, its uses, and overview of its role in global food production, pollution and climate change

Week 2: Nitrogen and Agriculture Introduction to the nitrogen cycle, history of nitrogen use for food production, interactions with climate change, future challenges for food security

Week 3: Nitrogen and Air Pollution How nitrogen causes local and global air pollution, its impacts, trends and future challenges

Week 4: Nitrogen and Water How nitrogen gets into our water, impacts on freshwater and the oceans, risks to ecosystems and human health

Week 5: Nitrogen Solutions Improving nitrogen use in agriculture, smart food choices, tackling air and water pollution, integrated management

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores nitrogen's role in food production, pollution, and climate change, providing a comprehensive overview of its impact on our planet

Taught by recognized experts in nitrogen and global change research, ensuring the course is up-to-date and informed by the latest scientific findings

Covers key topics such as food security, climate change, air pollution, water pollution, and human health, providing a well-rounded understanding of nitrogen's multifaceted impact

Examines both the challenges and opportunities presented by nitrogen, empowering learners to engage in informed decision-making and problem-solving

Suitable for learners with a general interest in science, environmental studies, or global issues, providing accessible insights into a complex topic

Reviews summary

Nitrogen's role in agriculture and climate change

Learners say that Nitrogen: A Global Challenge is a great course for students, researchers, and anyone interested in environmental sciences and climate change. Many learners recommend this course, especially for those who want to learn more about the role of nitrogen in agriculture and its impact on climate change. Learners also praise the course instructor and remark positively on the engaging videos and easy-to-understand content.

Learners found the course to be relevant to their work and studies.

"I am an AP Environmental Science teacher and was looking for a deeper understanding of the roles Nitrogen plays on our planet."

"Great course, very easy to understand and so important for us to mitigate climate change."

"The course is of great importance for N implications (positive and negative) in agroecosystems and industries, especially for students and researchers in environmental sciences."

Learners highly recommend the instructor and praise their teaching style.

"The instructor, Professor Dav Reay, does a great job of explaining complex concepts in a clear and understandable way."

"I enjoyed the course. Prof. Dave is a really great teacher and made learning easy and fun especially with his anecdotes"

"Before the course I thought Nitrogen... is just Nitrogen. But during the course I learned that Nitrogen is fundamental and plays a huge role in nature and our everyday life."

Learners found the course content to be informative and well-structured.

"I finished the class today. The class is useful. I think there is enoght and not too much content"

"The topics of the course provided me the insights and knowledge of Nitrogen to understand and address the global challenges related to N in the 21st century like low NUE, environmental challenges and global climate change."

"it's a good course, specially that all the earth talk about this matter. we need to change and know more about nitrogen"

"Great course if you are looking to learn more about nitrogen, it's importance on agriculture and climate change mitigation! Really recommend!"

"These class was good and understand the concept easily better to learn more about the nitrogen fixation and uses of nitrogen in our daily life"

Some learners felt that the course was too short and lacked depth.

"The only thing I found a little disappointing is that the course is too short and there is not much depth in it."

"Its Well-designed and engaging, I learned a lot from this course ... by the end of the course, I had a good understanding of its importance, its potential risks, and the challenges of managing it sustainably."

"I would show patents and R&D activities about getting ammonia. Also there must be information about agriculture 4.0"

Learners would have liked more real-world examples and hands-on activities.

"First, I would like to thank all the faculty and the university of Edinburgh for offering such a beautiful course. I loved this course and I found many new things, which I didn't know before."

"I would show patents and R&D activities about getting ammonia. Also there must be information about agriculture 4.0"

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 Nitrogen: A Global Challenge with these activities:

Review high school chemistry

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Familiarize yourself with chemistry basics to have a strong foundation for this course.

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Review your high school chemistry notes or textbook
Take practice problems to refresh your understanding
Watch videos or tutorials to reinforce concepts

Solve nitrogen-related chemistry problems

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Solving chemistry problems will strengthen your understanding of nitrogen's chemical properties and behavior in various reactions.

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Review basic nitrogen chemistry concepts
Practice solving problems involving nitrogen reactions
Check your answers and identify areas for improvement

Design your own nitrogen collection and purification system

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Nitrogen collection and purification are crucial processes in various industries. Designing your own system will enhance your understanding of nitrogen handling techniques and their applications.

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Research different nitrogen collection methods and purification techniques
Design a schematic diagram of your proposed system
Identify the materials and components required
Assemble and test your system
Write a report summarizing your design and results

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Create an infographic on the role of nitrogen in food production

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Creating an infographic on nitrogen's role in food production will help you visually summarize and communicate the key concepts related to this topic.

Browse courses on Food Production

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Gather data on nitrogen's role in food production
Design a visually appealing infographic
Write clear and concise text to accompany the visuals
Share your infographic with others

Career center

Learners who complete Nitrogen: A Global Challenge will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agriculture Economics Specialist

Agriculture Economics Specialists study and analyze farming trends. They offer expertise on agriculture issues. By taking Nitrogen: A Global Challenge, you will be well prepared for this work. The course informative on the nitrogen cycle, and its role in food production. This is important knowledge for someone who will be studying and analyzing farming trends.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agriculture Economics Specialist

Agricultural Consultant

Agricultural Consultants help farms and other businesses manage and optimize their production. Their expertise gives businesses the knowledge they need to maximize efficiency and profitability. The Nitrogen: A Global Challenge course can help develop a foundation for a successful career in this field. This course teaches you about nitrogen and its various uses. This knowledge will help you later consult on complex agricultural issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Consultant

Crop Scientist

Crop Scientists research, study, and develop ways to improve crop production. This may include researching genes, diseases, soil management, or climate. Nitrogen: A Global Challenge can help prepare you for a career as a Crop Scientist. The course covers the nitrogen cycle, and nitrogen's role in agriculture and food security.

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Environmental Analyst

Environmental Analysts monitor, collect, and analyze data on the environment. Their expertise is critical for designing and implementing policies that protect ecosystems. Nitrogen: A Global Challenge could help you prepare for a successful career as an Environmental Analyst. The course describes the impact of nitrogen on the environment. It also discusses potential solutions to the problems caused by nitrogen.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This may include advising businesses on climate change, pollution control, air and water quality, and waste management. By taking the Nitrogen: A Global Challenge course, you can gain some of the knowledge you need to become an Environmental Consultant. This course discusses the many impacts of nitrogen pollution, which is important to understanding environmental issues.

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Soil Scientist

Soil Scientists study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Their knowledge helps farmers, land managers, and policymakers make informed decisions about how to use and manage soil. By taking the Nitrogen: A Global Challenge course, you can prepare for a career as a Soil Scientist. The course covers soil management and nitrogen's role in soil health.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study ecosystems and the environment. Their research and expertise helps governments and other organizations make informed decisions about managing the environment. Taking the Nitrogen: A Global Challenge course will prepare you for a career as an Environmental Scientist. The course will teach you about nitrogen's impact on the environment, which is a key component of ecology.

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Water Quality Scientist

Water Quality Scientists study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of water. Their work helps ensure that water is safe for drinking, swimming, and other uses. This work typically requires an advanced degree. By taking the Nitrogen: A Global Challenge course, you can prepare for a career as a Water Quality Scientist. The course covers nitrogen pollution and potential solutions for managing it.

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Food Science Technician

Food Science Technicians research, analyze, and develop food products. Their work includes developing new products, improving quality, and ensuring safety. Nitrogen: A Global Challenge will help prepare you for a career as a Food Science Technician. The course covers nitrogen's role in food production and security. It also teaches about managing nitrogen in water and soil.

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Industrial Hygienist

Industrial Hygienists identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards. Their work includes monitoring air quality, assessing noise levels, and designing safety programs. Knowledge of nitrogen pollution is important for protecting worker health. By taking the Nitrogen: A Global Challenge course, you can gain a better understanding of nitrogen's health effects. This knowledge can help you become a more effective Industrial Hygienist.

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Natural Resources Manager

Natural Resources Managers plan and manage the use of natural resources such as land, water, and forests. They work to ensure that these resources are used sustainably. The course Nitrogen: A Global Challenge can help you gain the knowledge you need to be an effective Natural Resources Manager. The course discusses nitrogen's impact on the environment and potential solutions for managing it.

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Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on humans and the environment. Their work helps us understand the risks of exposure to various chemicals and develop ways to protect people and the environment from harm. Nitrogen: A Global Challenge can help build a foundation for a career as a Toxicologist. The course discusses nitrogen's health effects and potential solutions for managing nitrogen pollution.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs, builds, and operates systems to protect the environment. They use knowledge of engineering, chemistry, biology, and geology to find solutions. Nitrogen: A Global Challenge covers nitrogen's effect on the environment. This may prove useful to an Environmental Engineer's work. Though, the course may only be supplementary.

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Geochemist

Geochemists study the chemistry of the Earth and its atmosphere. Their research helps us understand the composition of the Earth, the processes that shape it, and the impact of human activity on the environment. The course Nitrogen: A Global Challenge can help you build a foundation for a career as a Geochemist. The course discusses nitrogen's role in the environment, which is an important topic for understanding Earth's chemistry.

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Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the properties, distribution, and movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. This course may be useful in understanding the water distribution of the Earth, and nitrogen's impact on it.

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