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Christopher Hassall

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.

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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.

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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:

Reading list

We've selected 50 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 Ecology and Wildlife Conservation.
This classic work by MacArthur and Wilson laid the foundation for the theory of island biogeography, which examines the relationship between species diversity and the size and isolation of islands.
Provides a broad overview of key conservation biology concepts, making it an excellent starting point for gaining a general understanding of the topic. It is designed to be accessible to a global readership, including students with English as a second language. It covers essential topics and is often used as a textbook in undergraduate and graduate conservation courses.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the natural history of coral reefs, covering topics such as reef formation, coral growth and reproduction, and the ecology of reef organisms. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about these important ecosystems.
Provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of population ecology. It is written by three leading researchers in the field and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
A widely used textbook, this book offers a comprehensive introduction to conservation biology, covering theory, applied research, and connections to related fields like ecology and climate change. It's suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students seeking to deepen their understanding. The book emphasizes the active role of various stakeholders in conservation.
This textbook offers a thorough exploration of conservation biology principles, covering threats to biodiversity and various conservation approaches. It's suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and is known for its comprehensive coverage and real-world examples.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory of ecological communities. It covers topics such as community assembly, diversity, and stability.
Examines the threats facing coral reefs, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. It provides a call to action for protecting these vital ecosystems.
Classic work in population ecology. It is written by two leading researchers in the field and is known for its clear and concise writing style. It is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Provides a comprehensive overview of evolutionary ecology, which is the study of how evolutionary processes shape the ecology of populations. It is written by a leading researcher in the field and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
This comprehensive textbook provides a thorough overview of the principles and practices of wildlife conservation, covering topics such as population ecology, habitat management, and conservation genetics. It is an excellent resource for students and professionals seeking a foundational understanding of the field.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of trait-based ecology, which examines the role of species traits in shaping community structure and dynamics.
This comprehensive encyclopedia provides an in-depth overview of the conservation and management of wildlife species. It covers a wide range of topics, from the history of wildlife conservation to the latest conservation techniques.
Provides a comprehensive overview of population ecology, covering a wide range of topics, including population growth, regulation, interactions, and evolution. It is written in a clear and concise style and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
This textbook provides a more advanced treatment of community ecology, covering topics such as niche theory, metacommunity ecology, and the effects of environmental change on communities. It is suitable for graduate students and researchers.
Practical guide to community ecology and conservation. It provides guidance on how to design and implement community ecology studies, as well as how to use community ecology principles to inform conservation practice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of food webs, covering topics such as food web structure, dynamics, and stability. It is suitable for graduate students and researchers.
This comprehensive textbook on fisheries management provides a thorough understanding of the scientific principles and decision-making processes involved in managing fish populations.
Part of the 'Very Short Introduction' series, this book offers a concise and accessible overview of biodiversity conservation. It's an excellent starting point for beginners to grasp the fundamental concepts and importance of the field.
This German-language textbook provides a comprehensive overview of ecology, covering ecological principles, ecosystems types, and human impacts. It is suitable for introductory or intermediate-level ecology courses.
Argues that we need to rapidly transition to a low-carbon economy to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book explores the current extinction crisis, providing a compelling and accessible look at the impact of human activity on biodiversity. It's highly relevant to contemporary conservation discussions and offers valuable context for the urgency of the topic. While not a textbook, it's a crucial read for anyone wanting to understand the scale of the problem.
While not a textbook, this book offers a powerful personal perspective on the decline of nature and a hopeful vision for the future. David Attenborough's reputation and the book's compelling narrative make it a must-read for understanding the emotional and global significance of biodiversity loss.
This introductory text provides a solid foundation in both the theory and practice of biodiversity and conservation. It includes international case studies and good resource for undergraduates starting in the field.
Features stunning underwater photography of coral reefs from around the world. It beautiful and informative introduction to these amazing ecosystems.
Covers biodiversity from the perspective of community ecology. It explores the patterns and processes that maintain biodiversity, as well as the threats to biodiversity and conservation strategies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ecology of ecosystems, covering topics such as ecosystem structure, function, and dynamics. It good choice for readers interested in the functioning of ecosystems and the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Focusing on a critical aspect of conservation, this book provides comprehensive coverage of the governance and management of protected areas worldwide. It's highly relevant for those interested in the practical implementation of conservation strategies.
Provides a practical guide to coral reef conservation. It covers topics such as the threats facing coral reefs, the importance of reef restoration, and the role of local communities in protecting these ecosystems.
Explores the role of competition in community ecology. It provides an overview of the economic and evolutionary perspectives on competition and coexistence.
Explores the structure and dynamics of ecological networks. It covers topics such as food webs, mutualistic networks, and the effects of environmental change on ecological networks.
Provides a thorough introduction to demographic methods, which are essential for studying population dynamics. It is written by a leading researcher in the field and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Provides a comprehensive guide to snorkeling and diving on coral reefs. It includes information on the best dive sites around the world, the marine life that you can see, and the safety precautions that you should take.
Enric Sala, a National Geographic explorer, makes a compelling case for protecting nature based on its intrinsic value and the essential services it provides. It's a accessible and engaging book that reinforces the importance of biodiversity conservation for human well-being.
This edited volume delves into a range of important and often contemporary topics in conservation biology, offering diverse perspectives from various experts. It's useful for gaining a broader understanding of current research and challenges in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of conservation ecology, covering topics such as threats to biodiversity, conservation strategies, and the management of protected areas. It good choice for readers interested in the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Provides a comprehensive overview of marine ecology, covering topics such as the structure and function of marine ecosystems, the interactions between marine organisms, and the conservation of marine resources. It good choice for readers interested in the ecology of marine environments.
Provides a comprehensive overview of freshwater ecology, covering topics such as the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems, the interactions between freshwater organisms, and the conservation of freshwater resources. It good choice for readers interested in the ecology of freshwater environments.
Provides a comprehensive overview of urban ecology, covering topics such as the structure and function of urban ecosystems, the interactions between urban organisms, and the conservation of urban resources. It good choice for readers interested in the ecology of urban environments.
Provides a comprehensive overview of restoration ecology, covering topics such as the principles and practices of ecological restoration, the restoration of different types of ecosystems, and the monitoring and evaluation of restoration projects. It good choice for readers interested in the restoration of degraded ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity.
Provides a concise overview of population genetics, which is essential for understanding the evolution of populations. It is written by a leading researcher in the field and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Explores the concept of metacommunities, which are groups of local communities that are linked by dispersal, and their implications for community ecology.
Provides an overview of restoration ecology, which focuses on the science and practice of restoring degraded ecosystems to their former state.
This comprehensive guide to sea turtles provides a deep understanding of their biology, behavior, and the conservation challenges they face.

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