4.8
stars
103 ratings

Anthony J. Martin

Top Instructor

8,361 already enrolled

Offered By

Extinctions: Past, Present, & Future

Emory University

About this Course

6,827 recent views

This course introduces you to the five mass extinctions of the pre-human past, their causes and significance to the history of life on earth, and the current mass extinction happening during our time. We’ll also explore the history of paleontology and geological study and review the key players that influenced the science today.
Regardless of your familiarity with the topic, you'll get portable handouts, lively demonstrations, and quizzes that bridge and enhance your knowledge.

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.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Beginner Level

Approx. 16 hours to complete

English

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

Try Coursera for Business

What you will learn

Summarize extinctions as an important part of the history of life.
Identify the probable causes of mass extinctions in the geologic past (before humans).
Compare and contrast the Big Five mass extinctions with human-influenced extinctions.
Evaluate historical lessons and current trends to predict and prevent extinctions of the future.

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.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Beginner Level

Approx. 16 hours to complete

English

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

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.94/5 (55 Ratings)

Anthony J. Martin
Top Instructor

Professor of Practice

Department of Environmental Sciences

8,361 Learners

1 Course

Offered by

Emory University

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

3 hours to complete

Introduction to Extinctions: Getting Started with the End

3 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 48 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes

6 videos

Welcome!3mExtinctions As a Concern for the 21st Century8m"Mass" Extinction vs. "Normal" Extinction10mWhen Is a Species Really Extinct? Exploring Lazarus, Elvis, & Zombie Taxa9mHow Extinctions Play a Role in Evolution9mWhy Studying Extinctions Is Critical for Our Survival5m

4 readings

Course Outline & Grading Information5m[Handout] Lazarus, Elvis & Zombie Taxa5mMass Extinctions & Evolution25mThe Insect Apocalypse & Our Present-Day Extinctions1h

2 practice exercises

Practice: Week 115mGraded: Week 115m

Week2

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Human Awareness of Extinctions: A History

3 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 49 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

Week3

Week 3

3 hours to complete

Mass Extinctions of the Pre-Human Past

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 60 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes

7 videos

Global Ecological Crises & Mass Extinctions9mThe End-Ordovician Extinction: 444 Million Years Ago9mThe End-Devonian Extinction: 360 Million Years Ago8mThe End-Permian Extinction: 252 Million Years Ago9mThe End-Triassic Extinction: 201 Million Years Ago7mThe End-Cretaceous Extinction: 66 Million Years Ago9mMass Extinctions: Commonalities & Differences5m

4 readings

Precambrian Life, the Rise of Oxygen, & Deadly Plants35mMammals, Asteroids, & Climate Change1h 10m[Handout] Geological Time Scale5m[Handout] Timeline of Mass Extinctions10m

2 practice exercises

Practice: Week 315mGraded: Week 315m

Week4

Week 4

3 hours to complete

Extinctions of Pre-History & Near-Present (Pleistocene Epoch & Late Holocene Epoch)

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 58 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

7 videos

European9mNorth & South American7mAustralian8mNew Zealand & Madagascar8mThe "Overkill" Hypothesis & Habitat Alteration9mAlternative Explanations: Climate Change, Diseases, & Meteorite Impact6mThe Ecological After-Effects of Megafauna Extinction7m

2 readings

Neanderthals, Megafauna, & Theories on Biodiversity1hAfter-Effects of & Theories About Megafaunal Extinction40m

2 practice exercises

Practice: Week 415mGraded: Week 415m

Reviews

4.8

48 reviews

5 stars
89.32%
4 stars
7.76%
3 stars
0.97%
1 star
1.94%

TOP REVIEWS FROM EXTINCTIONS: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE

by RSSep 28, 2020

Great course for the non-professional student- keeps the subject matter discussions light and contemporary. Especially loved the idea of ecological proxy, which I had never heard before!

by DAOct 5, 2020

An absolutely amazing course with an enthusiastic, engaging professor. I would give more stars if I could! I learned so much and was constantly excited for the next lesson.

by SDDec 13, 2020

Excellent lecturer and selection of articles. Lecturer was very engaging and clearly is very passionate about the subject of this course.

by JGJan 1, 2021

I would have preferred less camera focus on the lecturer and more use of illustrations, charts, etc. It was a little boring just watching the lecturer talk.

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.

Build employee skills, drive business results

Discover Coursera for Business

Extinctions: Past, Present, & Future

Extinctions: Past, Present, & Future

About this Course

What you will learn