Course Summary
Mountains 101 is a free online course that teaches you about the geological and ecological processes that shape mountains, and the relationship between humans and mountains throughout history.Key Learning Points
- Learn about the formation and evolution of mountains
- Explore the biodiversity of mountain ecosystems
- Understand human interactions with mountains throughout history
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the geological and ecological processes that shape mountains
- Identify the different types of mountain ecosystems and their biodiversity
- Recognize the cultural and economic importance of mountains for human societies
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- No prior knowledge of geology or ecology
- Internet access and a computer or mobile device
Course Difficulty Level
BeginnerCourse Format
- Online self-paced course
- Video lectures
- Interactive quizzes
Similar Courses
- Geology of the National Parks
- Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation
- Nature and Culture: Conservation Science and Heritage Tourism
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Naturalist and Broadcaster
- Primatologist and Conservationist
Related Books
Description
Mountains 101 is a broad and integrated overview of the mountain world. This 12-lesson course covers an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on the physical, biological, and human dimensions of mountain places in Alberta, Canada, and around the world. Specifically, we'll study the geological origins of mountains, how they’re built-up and worn-down over time; we’ll learn about their importance for biodiversity and water cycles, globally and locally; we’ll explore their cultural significance to societies around the globe, and how that relationship has evolved over time; and we’ll learn how mountains are used, how they’re protected, and how today they’re experiencing rapid change in a warming climate.
Outline
- Lesson 1: Why Mountains Matter
- 1.1 Course Introduction
- 1.2 Why do Mountains Matter?
- 1.3 Defining a Mountain
- Tech Tip 01: Your Feet are Your Vehicle
- Instructional Staff
- Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 1
- Course notes and recomended readings
- Lesson 1
- Lesson 2: Origins
- 2.1 Mountains & Deep Time
- 2.2 Current Theories of Mountain Building
- 2.3 Types of Mountains
- 2.4 Conclusion
- Tech Tip 02: Dress for Success
- Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 2
- Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 2
- Lesson 2
- Lesson 3: Climate
- 3.1 Global Climate Drivers
- 3.2 Local Climate Drivers
- 3.3 Alpine Environments
- Tech Tip 03: What goes in your pack?
- Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 3
- Course notes and recomended readings - Lesson 3
- Lesson 3
- Lesson 4: Bodies at Altitude
- 4.1 Atmospheric Pressure & Oxygen Partial Pressure
- 4.2 Acclimatization
- 4.3 Adaptation of High-Altitude Peoples
- Tech Tip 04: Stay Found - Preparation
- Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 4
- Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 4
- Lesson 4
- Lesson 5: Water Towers
- 5.1 Water Towers
- 5.2 Sources of Water in Mountains
- 5.3 Runoff
- 5.4 When Water Towers Malfunction
- Tech Tip 05: Stay Found – In the Field
- Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 5
- Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 5
- Lesson 5
- Lesson 6: Glaciers
- 6.1 What are Glaciers?
- 6.2 Types of Glaciers
- 6.3 Glacier Dynamics
- 6.4 Glacier Features & Land Modifications
- Tech Tip 06: Stay Safe (Fall or Fall In)
- Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 6
- Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 6
- Lesson 6
- Lesson 7: Imagination
- 7.1 Attitudes Towards Mountains
- 7.2 Western Romantic Enthusiasm
- Tech Tip 07: Stay Safe - Winter Challenges
- Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 7
- Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 7
- Lesson 7
- Lesson 8: Hazards
- 8.1 Avalanches
- 8.2 Landslides
- 8.3 Volcanoes
- Tech Tip 08: Stay Safe - Avalanche Safety (Know Before You Go)
- Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 8
- Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 8
- Lesson 8
- Lesson 9: Mountain Biodiversity and Adaptations of Plants
- 9.1 Biodiversity in Mountains
- 9.2 Hotspots of Biodiversity
- 9.3 Adaptations of Conifer Trees
- 9.4 Adaptations of Alpine Plants
- 9.5 Reproduction of Alpine Plants
- Tech Tip 09: Go Farther - Camping
- Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 9
- Lesson 9
- Lesson 10: Animal Adaptations
- 10.1 Adaptations of Animals to Mountain Environments
- 10.2 Examples of Mountain Adapted Species
- 10.3 Freshwater Fish in Mountain Lakes
- Tech Tip 10: Go Farther - Cooking
- Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 10
- Lesson 10
- Lesson 11: Use and Preservation
- 11.1 Use & Preservation
- 11.2 Preservation
- 11.3 Integrating Use & Preservation
- Tech Tip 11: Go Softly - Mountain Ethics
- Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 11
- Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 11
- Lesson 11
- Lesson 12: Future Mountains
- 12.1 Climate Change
- 12.2 Biodiversity
- 12.3 Into the Future
- Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 12
- Lesson 12
Summary of User Reviews
Discover the beauty and science behind mountains in Mountains 101, a highly rated course on Coursera. Many users praised the course for its engaging content and interactive lessons. One key aspect that users thought was good is the use of stunning visuals and real-world examples to illustrate complex concepts.Pros from User Reviews
- Engaging content and interactive lessons
- Stunning visuals and real-world examples
- In-depth coverage of mountain formation and ecology
- Expert instructors with extensive knowledge of the subject
Cons from User Reviews
- Some users found the course too technical and challenging
- Limited opportunities for interaction with other students
- Requires a significant time commitment to complete
- Not suitable for those with no prior knowledge of geology or geography
Zac Robinson
4.9 Raiting
Mountains 101
- 4.9
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Mountains 101ÂÂ is a broad and integrated overview of the mountain world. We invite you to join us for this online adventure! The mountains are calling....
