This course surveys the diversity, structure and functioning of California’s ecosystems through time and the ways they have influenced and responded to human activities and stewardship. Topics include ecosystem drivers such as climate, soils, and land use history; human and ecological prehistory of the state; comparative marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics; and managed ecosystems such as range, fisheries and agriculture in California. The course also emphasizes important skills to understand as a scientist or consumer of scientific information, including data collection, natural history, and writing.
Ecosystems of California
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Beginner level
No prior experience required
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
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What you'll learn
Describe the characteristic components of California’s major ecosystems and the processes that give rise to and maintain this character.
Describe the tradeoffs between the human benefits derived from California’s ecosystems and their degradation.
Analyze and evaluate tradeoffs between the human benefits derived from California’s ecosystems and their degradation.
Skills you'll gain
- Water Resource Management
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Issue
- Hydrology
- Environment and Resource Management
- Natural Resource Management
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Environmental Monitoring
- Environmental Engineering and Restoration
- Scientific Methods
- Life Sciences
- Environment
- Ancient History
- Data Collection
- Biology
- Land Management
- Environmental Resource Management
Details to know
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Taught in English
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There are 5 modules in this course
Instructor
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