• University of Leeds

Ecology and Wildlife Conservation

Discover ecology and learn how we can protect wildlife to conserve our natural world.

34,647 enrolled on this course

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Ecology and Wildlife Conservation

34,647 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Do you worry about the effects of climate change on nature?

On this course, you’ll learn you how the work of conservation biologists and study of ecosystems can help with conserving the world’s biodiversity. You’ll explore the impact of wind farms on populations of seabirds, and understand how the use of advanced techniques can be used to study different populations.

In Week 2, you’ll learn about ecosystems and how they’re influenced by human activity. You’ll use case studies to explore the reasons behind the bee decline across the world, and examine fish species in tropical seas to see at first-hand how climate change damages coral reefs.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 7 seconds My name is Chris Hassall, and I’m a lecturer at the University of Leeds. I’m passionate about global ecology, climate change and conserving the natural world. This course will help you understand concepts of ecology and wildlife conservation, and give you a taste of what it’s like to study at the University of Leeds for relevant degrees, such as ecology and conservation biology. I’ve always liked animals and nature, and I’m not happy with what’s happening to our planet. So I want to learn more about conservation and discover how I can help. My teacher told me about this online course by the University of Leeds on ecology and wildlife conservation. Let’s check it out. Wow.

Skip to 0 minutes and 45 seconds You get to see how conservation biologists help to reduce the effects of human activity by really understanding the threats faced by species, like coral reefs and bees, and learn how brand new technology helps us to understand the impact of wind farms on different populations, like seabirds. You get to understand what ecosystems are and how they might respond to change through interactive case studies on bee decline across the world and on how climate change affects coral reefs. There’s also a chance to take part in a science project by applying what I’ve learned to my own environment. I’ll definitely use this course as part of my university application.

Skip to 1 minute and 21 seconds This course will introduce you to all the basic concepts explored by degree courses in ecology, biology and zoology at the University of Leeds. If you’re interested in studying ecology at university, or you just have an interest in wildlife conservation, then this course is for you. Join ecology and wildlife conservation today.

What topics will you cover?

  • The moral and economic arguments for nature conservation.
  • The impact of human activity on the natural environment.
  • Why the conservation of populations and communities are essential for human life.
  • How conservation biologists are helping to protect seabirds from offshore wind turbines.
  • The impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.
  • How the loss of coral can lead to ecosystem collapse.
  • How large-scale studies are used to understand environmental issues.
  • The impact of bee decline across the world.
  • How new technology is helping to conserve nature and biodiversity.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify, through research, the key threats faced by seabirds, pollinators, and coral reefs.
  • Explore the impact of global environmental change on two key species and two key ecosystems.
  • Evaluate real data taken from a field study to investigate the conservation of a group of animals or plants.
  • Investigate the advanced techniques and technology which are used to study and conserve biodiversity by conservation scientists.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in ecology and wildlife.

It will be particularly useful for students at high school who want to study conservation biology, zoology, or biology at university level.

The course is part of the Going to University collection and completing it can help improve your university application by broadening your understanding of wildlife conservation and developing your independent learning skills. The course can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource.

Who will you learn with?

I am an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Leeds, specialising in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 2 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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