When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course
The Introduction to Environmental Science course explores the field of environmental science and encourages participants to understand how environmental scientists think. It addresses some important questions such as:
1. What is the difference between environmental science and environmental studies?
2. How do both differ from environmentalism?
3. Why is energy so important in environmental science?
4. What do you mean by biodiversity?
You will also explore what global cycles are and how they impact our lives. You must be aware that the human impact on biodiversity and global change are two of the most important discussion points in environmental science. Have you ever wondered how we are affecting global change and biodiversity? How can we reconcile human population growth, resource demands and sustainability? The effects of global change on humans and natural ecosystems and additional factors in evaluating personal environmental impact will also be discussed in this course.
This module explores the importance of environmental science, the water pollution problems, and how cycling of matter takes place.
Environmental Science Definitions and Terms•3 minutes
Video: Rock Snot•5 minutes
Video: Matter and Energy•5 minutes
10 readings•Total 1,056 minutes
Introductory Reading•30 minutes
Coursera Code of Conduct•10 minutes
Coursera Honor Code•30 minutes
Discussion Tips and Guide•30 minutes
Introduction: Environmental Science Definitions and Terms•2 minutes
What is environmental science?•10 minutes
Introduction: Rock Snot•2 minutes
The Unusual Story of Rock Snot•930 minutes
Introduction: Matter and Energy•2 minutes
The Cycling of Matter•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Basics of Environmental Science•30 minutes
7 discussion prompts•Total 150 minutes
Discussion: Introduce Yourself•30 minutes
Unprompted Discussion: Environmental Science Definitions and Terms Video•20 minutes
Unprompted Discussion: What is Environmental Science? Reading•20 minutes
Unprompted Discussion: Rock Snot Video•20 minutes
Unprompted Discussion: Rock Snot Reading•20 minutes
Unprompted Discussion: Matter and Energy Video•20 minutes
Unprompted Discussion: The Cycling of Matter Reading•20 minutes
Module 2: Biodiversity, Systems, and Feedback
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
This module gives an overview of the three different levels of biodiversity (genetic, species, ecosystem) and explores concepts such as system, system analysis, MRT, and positive and negative feedback loop.
Founded in 1769, Dartmouth is a member of the Ivy League and consistently ranks among the world’s greatest academic institutions. Dartmouth has forged a singular identity for combining its deep commitment to outstanding undergraduate liberal arts and graduate education with distinguished research and scholarship in the Arts and Sciences and its four leading graduate schools—the Geisel School of Medicine, the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business.
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S
SP
5·
Reviewed on Aug 7, 2024
Great information about the environmental studies
J
JT
5·
Reviewed on Oct 2, 2023
Very interesting and informative class. Very nicely presented and easy to understand.
G
GO
5·
Reviewed on May 4, 2026
Coursera is a good app for learning thanks to Coursera I have knowledge about environmental science I highly recommend Coursera to you if you passionate about learning and gaining knowledge
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. 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 subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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.