Extinctions Past, Present, & Future
This course introduces you to the five mass extinctions of the pre-human past, their causes and significance to the history of life on earth, and the current mass extinction happening during our time. We’ll also explore the history of paleontology and geological study and review the key players that influenced the science today.Regardless of your familiarity with the topic, you’ll get portable handouts, lively demonstrations, and quizzes that bridge and enhance your knowledge.
Summarize extinctions as an important part of the history of life.
Identify the probable causes of mass extinctions in the geologic past (before humans).
Compare and contrast the Big Five mass extinctions with human-influenced extinctions.
Evaluate historical lessons and current trends to predict and prevent extinctions of the future.
Syllabus
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Introduction to Extinctions: Getting Started with the End
Week 2
Human Awareness of Extinctions: A History
Week 3
Mass Extinctions of the Pre-Human Past
Week 4
Extinctions of Pre-History & Near-Present (Pleistocene Epoch & Late Holocene Epoch)
Week 5
Extinctions Since European Colonization & Going into the Future
FAQ
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Reviews
The professor, plus the course syllabus, and the way in which they were both presented exceeded all my hopes and expectations for learning as a beginning geology student major.
Excellent overview of pre-human extinctions and their relationship to the current human-initiated 6th extinction.
An absolutely amazing course with an enthusiastic, engaging professor. I would give more stars if I could! I learned so much and was constantly excited for the next lesson.
I would have preferred less camera focus on the lecturer and more use of illustrations, charts, etc. It was a little boring just watching the lecturer talk.
