Ecology and Wildlife Conservation from FutureLearn

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is for anyone with a general interest in ecology and wildlife conservation but it will be particularly useful for students at high school who want to study conservation biology, zoology or biology at university level. The course is part of the Going to University collection and completing it can help improve your university application by broadening your understanding of wildlife conservation and developing your independent learning skills. The course can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource. You can use the hashtag #FLEcology to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

The moral and economic arguments for nature conservation.
The impact of human activity on the natural environment.
Why the conservation of populations and communities are essential for human life.
How conservation biologists are helping to protect seabirds from offshore wind turbines.
The impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.
How the loss of coral can lead to ecosystem collapse.
How large-scale studies are used to understand environmental issues.
The impact of bee decline across the world.
How new technology is helping to conserve nature and biodiversity.

Reviews summary

Foundations in wildlife conservation

According to students, this course provides a solid introduction to ecology and wildlife conservation, making complex topics like human impact and climate change accessible. It is particularly valuable for high school students looking to explore conservation biology or prepare for university studies, offering a broad understanding and developing independent learning skills. The course covers crucial subjects such as coral reef ecosystems and the impact of bee decline, utilizing large-scale studies and discussing new technology in conservation. While comprehensive for beginners, some may find the pace suited more for an introductory level, focusing on foundational concepts rather than advanced professional application.

Covers vital, contemporary issues in conservation effectively.

"I particularly enjoyed learning about the impact of climate change on coral reefs, it felt very current."

"The discussions on human activity and new technology provided a really engaging perspective."

"Understanding bee decline across the world was eye-opening and made me care more about these issues."

Excellent for those new to ecology or preparing for university.

"This course was a perfect start for me as someone with no prior background in ecology."

"I found it really helpful for understanding the basics of wildlife conservation before applying to university."

"The content is very clear and easy to follow, making complex topics understandable."

Helps students broaden understanding and develop learning skills.

"This course significantly improved my university application by showing my interest in conservation."

"I gained valuable independent learning skills that will definitely help me in my biology degree."

"For any high school student considering zoology or conservation, this course is a must-take."

Provides a broad overview, less suited for advanced specialization.

"While excellent for beginners, I found it didn't go deep enough into certain topics for my professional needs."

"If you're already familiar with conservation, this might feel a bit too general for you."

"It's a great starting point, but I'll need more specialized courses to truly advance my knowledge."

Career center

Learners who complete Ecology and Wildlife Conservation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Ecology and Wildlife Conservation

Topics Covered

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundations in wildlife conservation

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses