Ecology is all about connections. In this course, we’ll see how interdependent every living thing is and how people are impacting the natural world. Like all sciences, ecology isn’t just a list of known facts– it’s also a process. I love telling stories, and I’ve included many stories about how we’ve come to know what we know about ecology through observations and experiments.
Introduction to Biology: Ecology
Introduction to Biology: Ecology
This course is part of Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization
Instructor: Scott Solomon
8,280 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(102 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
Flexible schedule
Approx. 19 hours
Learn at your own pace
99%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
How interdependent every living thing is; how people are impacting the natural world
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
13 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 9 modules in this course
What's included
2 videos3 readings1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn about the goals of the science of ecology and some of the ways in which ecology can be applied to help people.
What's included
2 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will Learn about the factors that influence the distribution of life on Earth, some of the approaches that ecologists use to study ecological communities, and how the concept of an ecological niche can be used to understand the outcome of competition between species.
What's included
7 videos10 readings3 assignments1 peer review2 discussion prompts
In this module, we will learn about the development of the equilibrium theory of island biogeography and how it can be applied both to real islands and to protected areas.
What's included
3 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn about the various ways that species interact with one another, the role of keystone species in natural ecosystems, and how disturbances like floods and fires affect ecological communities.
What's included
6 videos8 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn how ecologists estimate population sizes of wild animals, the factors that affect population size in animals and people, and the history and recent trends in human population growth.
What's included
4 videos7 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn about the major threats to living species and the impacts of habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change on the natural world.
What's included
5 videos8 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn about the current declines in biodiversity and how biodiversity loss affects ecosystems and people.
What's included
6 videos8 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
What's included
1 video1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.8 (36 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Environmental Science and Sustainability
The University of Edinburgh
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Yale University
University of Colorado Boulder
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.8
102 reviews
- 5 stars
86.27%
- 4 stars
10.78%
- 3 stars
0%
- 2 stars
0.98%
- 1 star
1.96%
Showing 3 of 102
GA
5
Reviewed on Jul 15, 2023
it was great to have enrolled for this course it added to my knowledge!
AN
5
Reviewed on Feb 8, 2023
it is actually a amazing course. i learnt alot from it.
Z
5
Reviewed on Sep 1, 2023
This was a very motivating, informative, and engaging course on Ecology for me as a beginner.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
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.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. 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.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.