About this course: This course surveys the diversity, structure and functioning of California’s ecosystems through time and the ways they have influenced and responded to human activities and stewardship. Topics include ecosystem drivers such as climate, soils, and land use history; human and ecological prehistory of the state; comparative marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics; and managed ecosystems such as range, fisheries and agriculture in California. The course also emphasizes important skills to understand as a scientist or consumer of scientific information, including data collection, natural history, and writing.
Created by: University of California, Santa Cruz
Taught by: Erika Zavaleta, Professor
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
| Level | Beginner |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Drivers of Statewide Patterns
9 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Syllabus
- Video: Biodiversity
- Video: Geomorphology and Soils
- Video: Climate Transect
- Video: California's Climate
- Discussion Prompt: Climate Types
- Video: Population and Land Use
- Video: Forestry
- Video: Agriculture
- Video: Urban
Graded: Statewide Patterns
WEEK 2
Marine Systems
9 videos
- Video: Younger Lagoon Dunes
- Video: Beaches
- Video: Animal Tracking
- Video: Estuaries
- Video: Oceanography
- Video: Intertidal
- Video: Kelp Forests
- Video: Offshore
Graded: Marine Systems
WEEK 3
Mountains, Lakes, & Deserts
9 videos
- Video: Fire
- Discussion Prompt: Fire
- Video: Subalpine
- Video: Strip Bark
- Video: Alpine
- Video: Lundy Lake
- Video: Lake Tahoe
- Video: Mono Lake
- Video: Deserts
Graded: Mountains, Lakes, & Deserts
WEEK 4
Lowland Systems
8 videos
- Video: Grasslands
- Video: Jasper Ridge Chaparral
- Video: Fort Ord Chaparral
- Video: Coastal Sage
- Video: Oak Woodlands
- Video: Range
- Video: Northcoast Forests
- Discussion Prompt: Effects of Grazing
Graded: Lowland Systems
WEEK 5
Conclusion
1 video, 1 reading
- Reading: Using a dichotomous key
Graded: Using and Constructing Dichotomous Keys
Graded: Final Exam
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
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Certificates
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Creators
University of California, Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz is an outstanding public research university with a deep commitment to undergraduate education. It’s a place that connects people and programs in unexpected ways while providing unparalleled opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experience.
Ratings and Reviews
muy bueno
An interesting course with beautiful videos, well-presented, however, no reaction whatsoever from the Staff. A pity!
Wonderful course. I grew up in California, and I have spent a lot of time in many of the ecosystems covered in this class. It is always enjoyable for me to deepen my knowledge of the natural world, as well as the effects humanity has on it. Thank you to Erika Zavaleta for taking us through all of this in the field. I think it is very helpful when the lectures are conducted in the actual ecosystems they address.
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JS
This shows California outdoors from top to bottom. Really good info on all the plants, animals and outdoor environments. Especially enjoyed week 3 on lakes and deserts