This course surveys the diversity, structure and functioning of California’s ecosystems through time and the ways they have influenced and responded to human activities and stewardship. Topics include ecosystem drivers such as climate, soils, and land use history; human and ecological prehistory of the state; comparative marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics; and managed ecosystems such as range, fisheries and agriculture in California. The course also emphasizes important skills to understand as a scientist or consumer of scientific information, including data collection, natural history, and writing.
SR
Final test was harder and more specific than expected. If the question has more than one answer, it really needs to say "Mark all that apply".
AP
Really interesting and easy to apply to your natural surroundings if you live in California. I really enjoyed the videos, and learned a ton!
JS
This shows California outdoors from top to bottom. Really good info on all the plants, animals and outdoor environments. Especially enjoyed week 3 on lakes and deserts
DM
Amazing course! I learned so much, and had a lot of fun. Written questions were valuable, and extended my thinking. The final project was so much fun!
L
I learned so much in this class! Erika Zavaleta's video field trips and lectures taught me so much about the place I live in, and it's amazing that it can all be accessed for free!
PD
Fascinating and thorough course. I learned a ton, and the videos are dense with information. However, the quiz and discussion questions often felt like lazy afterthoughts.
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The course was great, however, if you are taking it for a certificate, be aware that there aren't always a lot of people taking the course and your peer reviewed assignment may not get reviewed, thereby not allowing you to finish. If you need the certificate I would opt to purchase it at the end.
Wonderful course. I grew up in California, and I have spent a lot of time in many of the ecosystems covered in this class. It is always enjoyable for me to deepen my knowledge of the natural world, as well as the effects humanity has on it. Thank you to Erika Zavaleta for taking us through all of this in the field. I think it is very helpful when the lectures are conducted in the actual ecosystems they address.
This shows California outdoors from top to bottom. Really good info on all the plants, animals and outdoor environments. Especially enjoyed week 3 on lakes and deserts
INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE COURSE. TIMELY, TOO, AS I PLAN ON DOING THE PACIFIC COAST TRAIL THIS SPRING. THANKS SO MUCH!
Great information in this class! I love that we are able to save notes and refer back to them later. I thought there were a wide and interesting range of topics. I wish the quizzes would have had a little more info before taking them, such as some questions may have 2 or 3 correct answers. That was unclear to me, so I had to retake them several times before figuring that out. I also would have liked more help on the final exam project. I asked a question but there wasn't anyone in the discussion to answer before the submission deadline, so I am still unsure if I completed it correctly. Other than that, the course was a lot of fun and I enjoyed it.
Final test was harder and more specific than expected. If the question has more than one answer, it really needs to say "Mark all that apply".
Such a great collection of information about the different ecosystems of California. The videos were excellent and allowed me to virtually visit each ecosystem and become aware of the unique characteristics of each. The instructor was easy to understand and she conveyed enthusiasm for the content. As I continue to reside and travel in California I will be better able to appreciate this great state !
The course was well-structured, informative, and fun. Dr. Zavaleta spoke clearly, concisely, and shared her enthusiasm with the learner. I would take another course with her as instructor! The videos were very well filmed and edited nicely. It felt like I was taking a science road trip through California. Thank you for putting so much time and effort into creating a great course!
I've never taken an Ecology course before, and I learned a lot from this course. It's changed how I look at the landscapes around me. The essay questions really force me to think and dive deeper into the material. The final exam was tough! This course has inspired to learn more about related topics like Meteorology and Oceanography.
I learned so much in this class! Erika Zavaleta's video field trips and lectures taught me so much about the place I live in, and it's amazing that it can all be accessed for free!
Amazing course! I learned so much, and had a lot of fun. Written questions were valuable, and extended my thinking. The final project was so much fun!
Really interesting and easy to apply to your natural surroundings if you live in California. I really enjoyed the videos, and learned a ton!
Fantastic course
Amazing course!
excellent
Good
Especially good insights, perspectives, and ways to better see our reality; Mother Earth, but 1 thing in particular, here, is that I am more interested in the very impactful-destructive human interactions with Nature - socioecology (rather than biology and ecology), like being able to see the forest from the trees.
few reasons for unperfect 5/5 include:
*no mention of rangeland/livestock link to important ill effects on health of people and the planet
*no (basic) mention of lunar cycle in segment about tides??
*would have liked more explanation re contrast between dams that are human vs. beaver made (minor)
Fascinating and thorough course. I learned a ton, and the videos are dense with information. However, the quiz and discussion questions often felt like lazy afterthoughts.
An interesting course with beautiful videos, well-presented, however, no reaction whatsoever from the Staff. A pity!
muy bueno