Course Summary
This course provides an introduction to the Arctic climate system, including the physical and biological processes that control the climate and ecosystem dynamics.Key Learning Points
- Understand the physical processes that control the Arctic climate system
- Explore the impacts of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem
- Learn about the cultural and socioeconomic aspects of the Arctic region
Related Topics for further study
- Arctic Climate System
- Climate Change Impacts
- Cultural and Socioeconomic Aspects
- Ecological Dynamics
- Environmental Policy
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the physical and biological processes that control the Arctic climate
- Develop skills to assess the impacts of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem
- Gain knowledge on the cultural and socioeconomic aspects of the Arctic region
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic understanding of Earth's climate system
- Interest in the Arctic region and its ecosystem
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
- Video lectures
- Quizzes
- Assignments
Similar Courses
- Climate Science and Policy
- Environmental Management
- Polar Law and Governance
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Al Gore
- Greta Thunberg
Related Books
Description
The University of Alberta, the University of Tromso and the University of the Arctic invite you to explore this four week course that examines the environment and climate of the circumpolar North. This course is the result of an international collaboration and provides you with an insight into our planet's North. Following an overview of regional geography, we will focus on the cryosphere (ice), as well as the atmosphere and ocean of the region. We will learn why the Arctic is cold and ice covered, and how that impacts its climate and ecosystems. We will also consider how the Arctic is connected to the rest of the world. Finally, we will examine present day climate change, the processes driving it, and evidence for it in the Arctic, before looking at the implications in the rapidly evolving North. Watch a preview of the course here: https://uofa.ualberta.ca/courses/arctic-climate
Outline
- Arctic Environments
- Course Preview Video
- 1.1 Introduction to Arctic Environments and Climate
- 1.2A What is Climate?
- 1.2B What is Climate?
- Instructional Staff
- Meet Your Presenter: Roy Coulthard
- Course Glossary
- Additional Resources
- Acknowledgements
- Lesson 1 Course Notes
- Module 1 (Graded)
- Climate Systems
- 2.1A Climate and Atmosphere
- 2.1B Climate and Atmosphere
- 2.2A Ocean Circulation and the Arctic Ocean
- 2.2B Ocean Circulation and the Arctic Ocean
- 2.3 Carbon Cycle and Greenhouse Gasses
- 2.4 Back to the Arctic
- Lesson 2 Course Notes
- Hadley, Ferrell and Polar Cells
- Module 2 (Graded)
- The Cryosphere
- 3.1 Forms of Ice in the Polar Regions
- 3.2 River and Lake Ice
- 3.3A Ice Sheets and Permafrost
- 3.3B Ice Sheets and Permafrost
- Lesson 3 Course Notes
- Module 3 (Graded)
- Implications of Climate Change
- 4.1 Climate Change
- 4.2A The Impacts of Climate Change
- 4.2B The Impacts of Climate Change
- 4.2C The Impacts of Climate Change
- Lesson 4 Course Notes
- Module 4 (Graded)
Summary of User Reviews
Discover the Arctic and the effects of climate change in this comprehensive course on Coursera. Learners are impressed with the quality of information provided and the expertise of the instructors. Many appreciate the course's emphasis on the importance of preserving the Arctic environment.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
emphasis on the importance of preserving the Arctic environmentPros from User Reviews
- high-quality information provided
- expertise of the instructors
- flexible schedule
- easy-to-understand lectures
- excellent resources provided
Cons from User Reviews
- some technical issues with the platform
- lack of interaction with other learners
- limited hands-on activities
- some sections were too complex for beginners
- some learners wanted more in-depth discussions on certain topics
Paul Myers, Ph.D
4.6 Raiting
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