Discovering the Basics of Wetlands

Discovering the Basics of Wetlands

Instructor: Jeffrey W. Matthews, Ph.D.

What you'll learn

Major components of wetlands, including their formation and hydrology
Types of plants and animals that utilize wetland habitats and their adaptations to this environment
Structure and function of wetlands and the importance of their ecosystem services

Details to know

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Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

In this course, learners will get familiarized with the major components of wetlands, including their formation and hydrology. They will explore the different soil types, the role of nutrient cycling, and the intrinsic connection to the resulting vegetation. The course will cover the types of plants and animals that utilize wetland habitats and their adaptations to this environment. By the end of the course, learners will have a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of wetlands, as well as the importance of the resulting ecosystem services.

This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs, including the graduate-level certificate, "Wetland Science and Conservation" that can be stacked toward an online master's degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit ACES Online at acesonline.illinois.edu.

In the course orientation, you will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. Then dive into the second part of this module to explore the fascinating world of wetlands from wetland types to formation and hydrology. People have recognized wetlands for a long time, but it’s only more recently that we’ve started to call all these places wetlands.

What's included

10 videos9 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

10 videosTotal 54 minutes

Meet Your Instructor | Dr. Anna Ball0 minutesPreview module
Module 1 | Overview 1 minute
What are Wetlands?6 minutes
Where Wetlands Occur3 minutes
Major Wetland Types8 minutes
Wetland Formation10 minutes
Hydroperiods5 minutes
Water Budgets8 minutes
Surface Water & Groundwater Interactions7 minutes
Module 1 | Wrap-up1 minute

9 readingsTotal 100 minutes

Syllabus10 minutes
Learn More About Flexible Pathways10 minutes
Updating Your Profile10 minutes
Course Glossary 10 minutes
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service | Wetlands Mapper10 minutes
EPA | Classification and Types of Wetlands15 minutes
10 Reasons Why the Geomorphology of Wetlands is Important20 minutes
Supplemental Video | Understanding Wetland Hydrology by Ducks Unlimited Canada5 minutes
Additional Resources10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Module 1 | Knowledge Check30 minutes
Orientation Quiz30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Getting to Know Your Classmates10 minutes

You will explore the foundation of wetlands and their soils in this module. The characteristics of wetlands hydric soils contribute to the unique plant and animal life found in wetland ecosystems. Explore how nutrients and energy cycling occurs in wetlands and tackle global conservation issues.

What's included

11 videos3 readings1 assignment

11 videosTotal 53 minutes

Module 2 | Overview1 minutePreview module
Importance & Makeup of Hydric Organic Soils5 minutes
Soil Color & Wetland Delineation2 minutes
Peat Bogs & Paludification6 minutes
Wetland Landscapes & Nutrient Cycling5 minutes
Redox Reactions in Wetlands5 minutes
The Role of Nitrogen in Wetlands5 minutes
The Role of Phosphorus & Sequestering Nutrients in Wetlands4 minutes
Sulfur & Methane in Wetlands4 minutes
Soil Fertility in Wetlands9 minutes
Module 2 | Wrap-up1 minute

3 readingsTotal 70 minutes

Course Glossary10 minutes
Wetland and Hydric Soils30 minutes
Nutrients in Wetlands: Implications to Water Quality under Changing Climatic Conditions30 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 2 | Knowledge Check30 minutes

Wetlands are home to a unique and diverse range of organisms that have adapted to the difficulties of moisture, acidity, low oxygen, and fluctuating temperatures found in these ecosystems. You will explore the intricacies of wetland organisms and how they have adapted to thrive in a tough ecosystem.

What's included

9 videos5 readings1 assignment

9 videosTotal 41 minutes

Module 3 | Overview 1 minutePreview module
Positive Feedback4 minutes
Wetland Animals as Ecosystem Engineers3 minutes
Wetland Plants as Ecosystem Engineers3 minutes
Stressors: Lack of Oxygen9 minutes
Adaptations to Anoxia9 minutes
Adaptations to Hypoxia3 minutes
Adaptations to Salinity 4 minutes
Module 3 | Wrap-up1 minute

5 readingsTotal 55 minutes

Course Glossary10 minutes
Amphibians and Reptiles10 minutes
Mammals10 minutes
Birds10 minutes
11 Surprising Wetland Plant Adaptations15 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 | Knowledge Check30 minutes

Wetland structure is largely impacted by hydrology. This impacts the species present in a particular wetland and the overall structure of the wetland. You will examine the role of hydrology and it's impact on the ecosystem services and functions a wetland may provide. At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!