This course introduces the academic approach of Sustainability and explores how today’s human societies can endure in the face of global change, ecosystem degradation and resource limitations. The course focuses on key knowledge areas of sustainability theory and practice, including population, ecosystems, global change, energy, agriculture, water, environmental economics and policy, ethics, and cultural history.
Introduction to Sustainability
University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignAbout this Course
662,915 recent views
Learner Career Outcomes
29%
started a new career after completing these courses
25%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 27 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Tamil, Chinese (Simplified), Portuguese (Brazilian), Vietnamese, English, Spanish
Learner Career Outcomes
29%
started a new career after completing these courses
25%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 27 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Tamil, Chinese (Simplified), Portuguese (Brazilian), Vietnamese, English, Spanish
Offered by
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a world leader in research, teaching and public engagement, distinguished by the breadth of its programs, broad academic excellence, and internationally renowned faculty and alumni. Illinois serves the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and finding solutions to critical societal needs.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
3 hours to complete
Orientation and Introduction
In this module, you will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and the learning environment. The orientation also helps you obtain the technical skills required for the course. In the introduction, we will examine some of the central ideas that underpin the Earth as a system, and their consequences for environmental sustainability.
3 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 37 min), 5 readings, 3 quizzes
5 videos
Introduction to Sustainability7m
Sustainability and Population Growth7m
Growth Curves5m
Malthus13m
5 readings
Syllabus10m
About the Discussion Forums10m
Social Media10m
Getting to Know Your Classmates10m
Module 1 Overview and Readings10m
3 practice exercises
Orientation Quiz10m
Big Ideas Practice Quiz22m
Module 1 Quiz28m
2 hours to complete
Population
In this module, we will see how human populations have evolved over time and get a sense of where the next century of change will take us.
2 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 49 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes
5 videos
Transitions10m
Demographic Transition10m
Future Populations, Part 110m
Future Populations, Part 215m
1 reading
Module 2 Overview and Readings10m
4 practice exercises
Population, Past and Present Practice Quiz16m
Global Population in the Future Practice Quiz22m
Population Interactive Homework16m
Module 2 Quiz30m
5 hours to complete
Ecosystems and Climate Change
In this module, we will see that the Earth faces many environmental pressures that result from human exploitation of natural resources. We will also look at the issue of climate change.
5 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 78 min), 1 reading, 5 quizzes
8 videos
Tragedy of the Commons10m
Tragedy of the Commons: Solutions14m
Ecosystems and Extinctions6m
Weather vs. Climate3m
Climate Changes in the Past10m
Modern Climate Change14m
[OPTIONAL] Climate Processes16m
1 reading
Module 3 Overview and Readings10m
4 practice exercises
Ecosystems, Extinction, and Tragedy of the Commons Practice Quiz30m
Climate Change Practice Quiz30m
Climate Change Interactive Homework10m
Module 3 Quiz52m
3 hours to complete
Energy
In this module, we will look at energy use. We will also consider what the trend of energy use means for the planet, and how we might transition to a more sustainable pattern of use.
3 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 58 min), 1 reading, 4 quizzes
8 videos
Energy Overview6m
Oil11m
EROEI5m
Coal & Gas7m
Nuclear Power7m
Renewable Energy12m
Energy Conservation6m
1 reading
Module 4 Overview and Readings10m
4 practice exercises
Oil Practice Quiz16m
Alternatives Practice Quiz22m
Energy and Society Homework8m
Module 4 Quiz40m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABILITY
by KFDec 18, 2016
It is a well prepared course. Contents are carefully organized and plenty of concepts and examples are included and analyzed. Overall, it is a excellent course to get an overview of sustainability.
by JWNov 28, 2015
This was my first Coursera course, and I wasn't sure what to expect; but was very pleased with the organization, timescale things were run on, and overall neutrality of the course. Very well done!
by SISep 11, 2016
I honestly took this course by mistake while searching for Business Sustainability. But it got me so engaged and interested that I finished it in 4 days. A Great thank you, Mr. Jonathan Tomkin
by MRMay 26, 2020
This course is very comprehensive but really gives a better understanding of the history of and factors leading to the current status of the world and how we can move towards sustainability.
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.
What is the refund policy?
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
