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Biological Diversity (Theories, Measures and Data sampling techniques)

Approx. 9 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course on Biological Diversity explores the vast array of living organisms on our planet and the ecological relationships that bind them together. The course provides an in-depth view of the diversity of life, the processes that generate and maintain diversity, and the role that humans play in shaping and conserving it.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the different levels of biodiversity and how they are measured
Understand the ecological and evolutionary processes that generate and maintain biodiversity
Explore the impacts of human activities on biodiversity and strategies for conservation

Learning Outcomes

Understand the different levels of biodiversity and how they are measured
Learn about the ecological and evolutionary processes that generate and maintain biodiversity
Identify the impacts of human activities on biodiversity and develop strategies for conservation

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of biology
Interest in ecology and conservation

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online self-paced
Video lectures
Quizzes and assignments

Similar Courses

Biodiversity and Conservation
Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation
Conservation Biology

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

E.O. Wilson
Jane Goodall

Related Books

Description

The course presents an overview of the theory behind biological diversity evolution and dynamics and of methods for diversity calculation and estimation. We will become familiar with the major alpha, beta, and gamma diversity estimation techniques.

Understanding how biodiversity evolved and is evolving on Earth and how to correctly use and interpret biodiversity data is important for all students interested in conservation biology and ecology, whether they pursue careers in academia or as policy makers and other professionals (students graduating from our programs do both). Academics need to be able to use the theories and indices correctly, whereas policy makers must be able to understand and interpret the conclusions offered by the academics. The course has the following expectations and results: - covering the theoretical and practical issues involved in biodiversity theory, - conducting surveys and inventories of biodiversity, - analyzing the information gathered, - and applying their analysis to ecological and conservation problems. Needed Learner Background: - basics of Ecology and Calculus - good understanding of English

Outline

Welcome to the course "Biological Diversity (Theories, Measures and Data sampling techniques)"
Course promo
About the university
From the course author
About the course team
About the International Master's Degree in Biodiversity
Cited literature and further readings
Entering questionnaire

Biodiversity and evolution
1.1. The web of life
1.2. Species interactions and biodiversity
1.3. The evolution of biodiversity
1.4. The structure of biodiversity
1.5. The distribution of biodiversity in macroscale
Suggested readings – Module 1
Quiz – Module 1

Importance of biodiversity and anthropogenic impacts
2.1. The distribution of biodiversity in microscale
2.2. Why biodiversity is important for us
2.3. What are the causes of biodiversity decline?
2.4. Climate change and biodiversity
2.5. Gaia and biodiversity
Suggested readings – Module 2
Quiz – Module 2

Analyse and measure biodiversity
3.1. Analyse and measure biodiversity – I part
3.2. Analyse and measure biodiversity – II part
3.3. Sampling Techniques
3.4. α-diversity
3.5. β-diversity
Suggested readings – Module 3
Quiz – Module 3

Species-abundance distributions and comparisons
4.1. Evenness
4.2. Species abundance models
4.3. Curves of biodiversity
4.4. How to compare communities’ diversity
4.5. How to analyse the anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity
Suggested readings – Module 4
Quiz – Module 4

Alternative measures of biodiversity
5.1. Functional diversity
5.2. Taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity
5.3. Qualitative measures of biodiversity
Suggested readings – Module 5
Quiz – Module 5

Statistics applied to the analysis of biodiversity
6.1. Statistics applied to biodiversity – I part
6.2. Statistics applied to biodiversity – II part
6.3. Statistics applied to biodiversity – III part
6.4. Statistics applied to biodiversity – IV part
6.5. Statistics applied to biodiversity – V part
6.6. Statistics applied to biodiversity – VI part
6.7. Statistics applied to biodiversity – VII part
Suggested readings – Module 6
Final questionnaire
Quiz – Module 6

Summary of User Reviews

The Biological Diversity course on Coursera has received positive reviews from many users. Learners have found this course to be informative and engaging, with a lot of useful information about different species and ecosystems. One key aspect that many users thought was good is the real-world examples and case studies used to illustrate concepts. Overall, this course has received a rating of [INSERT OVERALL RATING HERE].

Pros from User Reviews

The course provides a lot of useful information about different species and ecosystems
Real-world examples and case studies used to illustrate concepts
Engaging and informative
Great for people interested in biology or environmental science
Instructor provides clear explanations and is knowledgeable about the subject matter

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be too basic and not challenging enough
Lack of interactive elements could make the course less engaging for some learners
Some users found the course content to be repetitive
The course may not provide enough depth for advanced learners
The course may not be suitable for those with no prior knowledge of biology or environmental science

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Biological Diversity (Theories, Measures and Data sampling techniques)

The course presents an overview of the theory behind biological diversity evolution and dynamics and of methods for diversity calculation and estimation....

Save Course