Online Class: The Power of Ecology — Shaping a Sustainable Future

This general ecology course will provide a solid foundation on fundamental ecology topics, which many students require for future studies in various fields

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$120.00
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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 20
    Lessons
  • 22
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,339
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 14
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.4
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Have you ever wondered how life on Earth weaves together into an intricate, beautiful, yet fragile tapestry? Every living organism, every ecosystem, every natural process is part of a profound story-one that shapes not just our environment, but the very future of humanity. If you're ready to move beyond curiosity and become part of the solution to today's most pressing environmental challenges, this course is your gateway.

Our world is changing at an unprecedented pace. Ecosystems are under strain, biodiversity is in peril, and the balance that sustains life is shifting. But within these challenges lies an incredible opportunity-the chance to understand, protect, and even restore the delicate systems that make life on Earth possible. That's what ecology is all about: understanding the connections, deciphering the patterns, and taking action. This course will empower you with the knowledge and skills to make that difference.

Unlike traditional science courses, this isn't about memorizing facts or passively learning theories. It's about immersing yourself in the fascinating story of life on Earth. You'll delve into the dynamic relationships between species, explore how ecosystems function, and uncover the powerful forces that have shaped life over millions of years. From the smallest microbe to the largest mammal, every element has a role-and you'll learn how to uncover those connections and apply that understanding in meaningful ways.

But this course goes further. It's not just about gaining knowledge; it's about transforming how you see the world. You'll explore groundbreaking topics like evolutionary ecology, biogeography, and systems ecology, gaining insights into the processes that govern our planet. You'll discover how cutting-edge tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are revolutionizing our ability to map and protect biodiversity. And you'll walk away with practical skills for managing natural resources, combating biodiversity loss, and driving sustainable solutions.

Whether you're an aspiring environmental scientist, a passionate advocate for sustainability, or simply someone who wants to make a real impact, this course is your springboard. It's designed to inspire, challenge, and equip you to think critically and act decisively in a world that needs knowledgeable, compassionate stewards now more than ever.

This is more than a class-it's a call to action. Are you ready to explore, understand, and safeguard the Earth's most precious systems? The time to act is now. Join us, and be the change our planet so urgently needs.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.50 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,370 votes)

Lesson 1: Introduction to Ecology

11 Points
This first lesson will introduce the study of Ecology and begin to touch on major theories about our environment that have evolved over time.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Ecology Basics

10 Points
This lesson will provide a list of important ecological terms and processes that will serve as a vital foundation for the subsequent chapters.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Ecology and Evolution

9 Points
This lesson will explore the connection between Ecology and evolution. Ecology and evolution are intrinsically connected because an organism's environmental surroundings affect and direct its evolution.
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Evolutionary Ecology

10 Points
This lesson will break down and examine the influences that scientist' study in Evolutionary Ecology.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Interspecies and Intraspecies Relations

10 Points
In addition to studying the influences of physical environment, ecology also encompasses the interaction between different organisms.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Biodiversity

10 Points
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants and animals on earth.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Mass Extinctions

10 Points
Species go extinct because of natural shifts in the environment that take place over very long periods of time, such as ice ages.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: The World's Species

10 Points
Scientists have no accurate way of determining exactly how many species have lived and gone extinct in the Earth's history.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Biogeography

10 Points
Biogeography studies the geographic distribution of past and present species and how the physical environment affects where species live.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Geographical Information Systems

10 Points
Researchers often use technologies such as remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to better understand the factors affecting current distribution as well as to suggest future trends in organism distribution.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: 7550579aa50819zz.png
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Landscape Ecology

10 Points
The changing distributions of plants, animals, and ecosystems, identified by biogeographical research can be applied to an assortment of conservation disciplines.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: 7550579aa50820zz.png
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Population Ecology

9 Points
The term population can be defined and interpreted differently, depending on the scientific discipline doing the defining.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: 7550579aa50821zz.png
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: Community Ecology

9 Points
Species can have a direct and an indirect effect on other species in a community.
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Physiological Ecology

10 Points
Physiological ecology studies the interaction of organisms with their physical environment and the organisms' adaptations to that environment.
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Ecosystem Ecology

10 Points
An ecosystem includes all the organisms in a given area and the abiotic elements that affect them including sunlight, temperature, soil quality, and nutrients.
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16: Systems Ecology

10 Points
Systems ecology attempts to clarify the structure and function of ecosystems through the use of applied mathematics, mathematical models, and computer programs.
  • Lesson 16 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17: Plant Ecology

10 Points
Plant ecologists study the distribution and abundance of plants, the interactions between the members of plant species, and plants' interactions with their environment.
  • Lesson 17 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam

Lesson 18: Animal Ecology

10 Points
Animal ecology adds the element of looking at how animals interact with one another.
  • Lesson 18 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 18 Exam

Lesson 19: Human Ecology

10 Points
Human ecology studies the relationships between people and their environment.
  • Lesson 19 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 19 Exam

Lesson 20: Natural Resource Management

104 Points
If we destroy enough ecosystems, human life will not be sustainable so it is imperative to our species to effectively manage our planet's resources.
  • Lesson 20 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 20 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
292
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Introduction to Ecology
  • Ecology Basics
  • Ecology and Evolution
  • Evolutionary Ecology
  • Interspecies and Intraspecies Relations
  • Biodiversity
  • Mass Extinctions
  • The World's Species
  • Biogeography
  • Geographical Information Systems
  • Landscape Ecology
  • Population Ecology
  • Community Ecology
  • Physiological Ecology
  • Ecosystem Ecology
  • Systems Ecology
  • Plant Ecology
  • Animal Ecology
  • Human Ecology
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: The Power of Ecology: Shaping a Sustainable Future
Course Number: 7550579
Lessons Rating: 4.50 / 5 Stars (1,370 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is accessible online throughout all states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It's also available in top English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: March 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.4 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: UniversalClass Instructional Team
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Again, wonderful course, very interesting, covered a lot of subject matter, and I learned a lot. Thank you!" -- Kathleen S.
  • "The instructor obviously was an expert, and she truly seemed to enjoy her work as an instructor." -- Judith J.
  • "The reviews of each part of ecology really helped me categorize and will allow me to respond quicker to my students' questions." -- James S.
  • "I enjoyed the course and instructor. Most everything was helpful." -- Joel H.