• The University of Sheffield

Population 10 Billion: Researching Global Issues

Learn how university researchers from different disciplines work together to solve some of the world's biggest problems.

1,895 enrolled on this course

A crowd in London

Population 10 Billion: Researching Global Issues

1,895 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Explore the importance of university research in a global context

By the end of this century, it’s expected that the world’s population will reach 10 billion. What will it be like to live in a world with 10bn people? Global issues like climate change, migration, food security, and ageing will continue to cause problems for a growing population.

On this course, you will discuss solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. You will learn how university researchers from different subject disciplines work together to address these issues. You will understand the importance of collaborative research and developing a broad range of knowledge.

What topics will you cover?

  • Could robots help us to live independently for longer?
  • What story is the media telling us about migration and how can we challenge this representation?
  • How can we overcome yield plateaus in food production?
  • What impact can universities (and their students) have on real-world problems?
  • Who will shape our energy future?

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...

  • Discuss possible solutions to a range of global issues.
  • Describe the concept of wicked problems.
  • Engage with university-level research.
  • Explain why interdisciplinary networks are critical for effective research.

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone interested in university research. You could be a current undergraduate or postgraduate student undertaking research or looking to study at university in the future.

Who will you learn with?

I'm a technologist with a chemical physics degree. I worked in the microelectronic displays industry before I joined the university in 2008. Now i lecture in physics and research solar energy.

Dr Amanda Crawley Jackson is a senior lecturer in French & Francophone Studies at the University of Sheffield. Her research focuses on space, cities and migration.

Who developed the course?

The University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is one of the world’s top 100 universities with a reputation for teaching and research excellence.

Ways to learn

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$39.99

For your first month. 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
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$54/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

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

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 3 Jan 2025

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

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). 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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