1.1 Course Introduction

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From the course by University of Alberta

Mountains 101

616 ratings

University of Alberta

Mountains 101

616 ratings

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. At the end of each lesson, Mountains 101 will also provide learners with some smart tricks -- Tech Tips -- to safely enjoy time in the high alpine environment: from how to pick the best footwear for hiking to making smart decisions in avalanche terrain. We’ll be delivering your online lessons from valley bottoms to mountaintops, from museums and labs, to alpine huts and other spectacular alpine sites, and we’ll do so with the help of a whole host of experts. We invite you to join us for this online adventure! The mountains are calling...

From the lesson

Lesson 1: Why Mountains Matter

In this introductory lesson, you will learn why mountain environments are relevant to people all around the globe. We’ll also define just what a “mountain” is in order to show why it is useful to think about mountains from various perspectives. TechTip: Your feet are your vehicle

1.1 Course Introduction3:47

1.2 Why do Mountains Matter?6:39

1.3 Defining a Mountain11:50

Tech Tip 01: Your Feet are Your Vehicle2:54

Meet the Instructors

Zac Robinson
Associate Professor
Physical Education & Recreation
David Hik
Professor
Biological Sciences

[MUSIC]

Welcome to Mountains 101.

An online course where you will learn about one of the most fascinating dynamic

landscapes on the planet, mountains.

My name is David Hik.

>> And I'm Zac Robinson.

Together we're going to explore the mountain world from various disciplinary

perspectives.

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 finally, we'll learn how mountains are used, how they're protected, and

how today they're experiencing rapid change due to a warming climate.

>> For many people who enjoy spending time in these dynamic landscapes,

it's natural to want to know a bit about the weather, the plants and animals,

the rocks, the glaciers, and the hazards, and about mountain cultures and histories.

To know mountains well, one could argue,

is really an exercise in bringing together various fields of knowledge.

Interdisciplinarity, that's our goal in this introductory course.

Mountains 101 will provide you with a broad and

integrated overview of the mountain world in its entirety.

>> Our interest in mountain studies is more than just academic.

It grew out of a love for simply being in mountains and for

us that was here in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Canada.

Much of the Rockies are designated as protected areas.

They're visited by millions of people every year.

While our focus on this course is global,

we'll pay special attention to these Canadian mountain parks.

Banff National Park is the oldest in the Canadian park system.

And along with our other mountain national parks, we'll provide the backdrop for

many of the topics that we'll discuss.

>> We'll be delivering your lessons from the studio here, but

also from valley bottoms and mountain tops.

From museums and labs, alpine huts, and other spectacular alpine sites.

And we'll do so with the help of a whole host of experts.

We've had a lot of assistance from several partners in preparing this course.

Especially from our national parks agency, Parks Canada.

They've been in the business of protecting, managing and

learning about mountain spaces for over a century.

It's our pleasure to introduce Parks Canada's Executive Director for

the mountain parks, Pat Thomsen.

>> It's my pleasure to welcome you to this very special course on mountains,

from stunning Yoho National Park in the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

You are starting a journey where the mountains will be your teacher.

It is the hope of Parks Canada that as you embark on this study, that you will

gain a deep and personal connection to your natural and cultural treasures.

And that you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of these

places, and how they can be enjoyed in ways that ensure their ecological and

commemorative integrity for present and future generations.

Welcome to your classroom.

>> Welcome to your classroom.

>> Welcome to your classroom.

>> Welcome to your classroom.

>> Welcome to your classroom.

>> Welcome to your classroom.

>> Welcome to your classroom.

[MUSIC]

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