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Certificate of Achievement
has completed the following course:
Invisible Worlds: Understanding the Natural Environment
Invisible Worlds explored the Earth’s natural systems that we cannot see or feel. You explored invisible worlds that are too vast, too small, or too far away in space and time. Over the 4-week course, you discovered how life was shaped by, and shapes, these invisible worlds, and the impacts that humans are having on the earth system. Looking forward, you are now able to understand the interconnectedness of these invisible worlds and picture yourself within them.
4 weeks, 3 hours per week
Professor Tim Lenton
Chair in Climate Change/Earth System Science
University of Exeter
Dr Rhiannon White
Cell Biologist, Researcher/Writer
University of Exeter
Transcript
Learning outcomes
- Describe the fundamental science of the invisible worlds
- Understand how everything on Earth is interconnected
- Understand the past: the evolution of the planet and our life support system
- See yourself within the vast: the planetary cycles that we depend on
- Respect the small: the microbes that built and maintain the life support system
- Discuss human effects, and how to work towards a positive future
- Discuss the role played by art and exhibitions in science communication
Syllabus
- Past Invisible: A time so long ago it’s hard to imagine: the evolution of the Earth’s life support system; the products and processes that are necessary for maintaining life.
- Vast Invisible: Natural systems and cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphate) so massive we can’t feel them: the bigger picture and you in the bigger picture.
- Small Invisible: Creatures so small we can’t see them: minions or masters of the universe? See how the smallest things underpin the biggest things; the life support systems.
- The Anthropocene era/effect: Since the small things have such a significant influence on the life support system, you won’t be surprised to see the huge effects we have had.
- Interconnections: The interconnectedness between life and the Earth’s environments at all scales.
Issued on 27th April 2022
The person named on this certificate has completed the activities in the transcript above. For more information about Certificates of Achievement and the effort required to become eligible, visit futurelearn.com/proof-of-learning/certificate-of-achievement.
This certificate represents proof of learning. It is not a formal qualification, degree, or part of a degree.