4.9
stars
107 ratings

Kevin E. Bonine, PhD

5,310 already enrolled

Offered By

Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet

University of Arizona

About this Course

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Are you ready to take an incredible journey around Planet Earth and beyond? In this course, you will delve into a world of innovative science and learn from a team of Biosphere 2 and University of Arizona researchers. From plants and soils, to oceans and rainforests, the Moon, Mars, and more, this course is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in science and Earth stewardship. 
Learn how a unique research station in the Arizona desert is used to investigate big ideas, such as how Earth systems interact, the effects of climate change, and what our future holds. Go back in time thousands of years with information locked in ancient trees, and travel into an imagined future where humans become Martians. Collect and analyze your own scientific data, discuss big questions with participants from around the world, and gain novel insights and understanding about our wonderfully unique planet.

Flexible deadlines

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 28 hours to complete

English

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Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 28 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.85/5 (28 Ratings)

Kevin E. Bonine, PhD

Director of Education and Outreach

Biosphere 2

5,310 Learners

1 Course

Offered by

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is the state’s land-grant university and a member of the Association of American Universities—made up of just 62 universities in the country. As one of the world’s premier public research universities, the university conducts more than $625 million of research annually. Home to two allopathic medical schools in Tucson and Phoenix, the UA Tech Park, and a member of the Arizona Space Grant Consortium, the university creates an $8.3 billion economic impact for Arizona. U.S. News and World Report placed 14 University of Arizona graduate programs among the top 20 in the nation and it is one of the nation’s top producers of Fulbright Scholars. With its strategic academic and business plan, “Never Settle,” as its guide, the university is producing graduates who are global citizens, engaged leaders, and fulfilled individuals.

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

3 hours to complete

Biosphere 2, an Icon of Possibilities

Why would anyone build an enormous glass structure in the Arizona desert? In Module 1, you will get a virtual introduction to the engineering marvel that is Biosphere 2. Learn about the fascinating history of Biosphere 2 and how it is currently used as the world’s best research instrument for earth systems science. Discover how the ocean, rainforest, and desert can be studied in one enclosed, three-acre structure in the Arizona desert. With Dr. Joaquin Ruiz, University of Arizona (UA) Vice President for Innovation, Director of Biosphere 2, Dean of UA Science, Geoscientist, and John Adams, Deputy Director, UA Biosphere 2.

3 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 50 min)

Week2

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Climate Disruption

How do we know that human activity is changing the climate? In Module 2, you will hear from scientists who reconstruct past climates by unlocking information held in ancient trees. Discover how tree rings help us understand drought and wildfire patterns across time and space. Learn what global warming is, exactly, and how it is accelerated by carbon emissions. With Dr. Kevin Anchukaitis, Geography and UA Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, and Dr. David Frank, UA Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research.

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 62 min), 1 reading, 3 quizzes

Week3

Week 3

3 hours to complete

The Science of Water Availability

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 42 min)

Week4

Week 4

4 hours to complete

Desert Plants, Climate, and Changing Landscapes

How can many different species coexist in once place? In Module 4, go beyond Biosphere 2 to UA Tumamoc Hill—the world’s oldest long-term desert ecology research site near the University of Arizona. Learn how living and nonliving components of the environment are related, how different species coexist, and how climate variation affects Sonoran Desert plants. With Dr. Larry Venable, UA Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.

4 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 64 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes

Week5

Week 5

2 hours to complete

Rainforests in an Altered World

What can the Biosphere 2 rainforest tell us about the future? Module 5 focuses on tropical rainforests in the Amazon Basin of South America, and the controlled rainforest inside Biosphere 2. Learn about the fascinating activity of tropical forests, the major roles they play in global climate, and the potential impacts of deforestation and climate change. With Dr. Joost Van Haren, Biosphere 2, UA Honors, and Dr. Scott Saleska, UA Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.

2 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 30 min)

Week6

Week 6

3 hours to complete

Sea Changes in our Marine Environment

Why are coral reefs in peril, and what can we do about it? In Module 6, discover the immense role that oceans play in global climate, heat distribution, and human livelihoods. Learn why global warming is sometimes called ocean warming, how ocean acidification affects marine life, and innovative ways in which the ocean is studied. With Dr. Julia Cole, U. of Michigan, UA Biosphere 2 Marine Research.

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 54 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes

Week7

Week 7

3 hours to complete

Soil Science - Foundations & Implications

3 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 63 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes

Week8

Week 8

3 hours to complete

Feeding the Future

Can a Mars or Lunar greenhouse help feed people on Earth? In Module 8, learn how space-farming models can be applied on Earth as we move towards a global population of 10 billion people. Discover innovative controlled agricultural systems, learn more about how plants grow, and get a chance to produce your own hydroponically grown vegetables at home! With Dr. Gene Giacomelli, UA Controlled Environment Agriculture Center.

3 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 45 min), 1 reading, 3 quizzes

Week9

Week 9

5 hours to complete

Life and Resources in Space - Should We Go There?

When will humans live beyond Earth’s gravity? Module 9 is a fascinating and inspiring journey into space. Ignite your imagination as you learn about space tourism, asteroid-mining, moon elevators, robotic space explorers, and Mars colonization. While focusing on space, this module is sure to reaffirm your appreciation of Planet Earth. With Dr. Chris Impey, Associate Dean UA College of Science, UA Astronomy.

5 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 135 min), 1 reading, 5 quizzes

Reviews

4.9

42 reviews

5 stars
86.11%
4 stars
12.96%
3 stars
0.92%

TOP REVIEWS FROM BIOSPHERE 2 SCIENCE FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR PLANET

by SMDec 1, 2022

This course was really fascinating, and I discovered a lot about our biosphere. I enjoyed how well the instructors presented the diverse fields of knowledge.

by WKMay 11, 2018

This course covered so many interesting things and topics, and also went into some astronomy, which I really enjoy. Overall would recommend this course if you are interested in Earth.

by SDJul 27, 2021

Really enjoyed the journey. This has been really insightful. The final two weeks has been phenomenal.

by MANov 30, 2020

Very good course to learn about Plant ecology, space and Aquaponics

View all reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet

Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet

About this Course