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Online Course
Ecology II : Ecotoxicology, Dynamics of Populations, and Community Ecology
Duration
12
weeks
Program Dates
Time Commitment
Format
Class Size
2 hours per week
Online
3-15 students
Section one:
Jan 06 - Mar 21, 2025
Section two:
Sep 23 - Dec 09, 2025
Tuition
$385
Save up to $200 with a NOA membership
Enrollment closes 1 week prior to the start date
Course Frequency
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 pm PT
Optional Extra
Age
Scholarships available
All Ages
Course Introduction
Welcome to Ecology: Ecotoxicology, Dynamics of Populations, and Community Ecology. This course is crafted to provide a deep dive into the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments, focusing on how ecological dynamics shape populations and communities. Over twenty-four engaging classes, we will explore various aspects of ecology, including the impact of environmental pollutants, the role of different organisms within ecosystems, and the processes that drive population dynamics and community structures. This course offers a comprehensive examination of the biosphere, emphasizing the interaction between ecological factors and environmental health.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course you’ll be able to:
Analyze and describe the interactions between organisms and their environments, including natural selection and epigenetics.
Understand and apply concepts related to population dynamics, including growth curves and factors influencing population changes.
Evaluate the roles of different species in ecosystems, including the impact of invasive and keystone species.
Assess the effects of environmental pollutants on wildlife, including bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes.
Investigate and interpret various types of ecosystems and their successional stages, including aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Critically analyze the impact of human activities on nutrient cycles and ecosystem health, with case studies such as reintroducing wolves to the Yellowstone ecosystem.
Is This Course for Me?
How do environmental pollutants impact the health of wildlife and the stability of ecosystems? What roles do keystone species and invasive species play in altering community structures and ecosystem functions? This course is ideal for students pursuing degrees in ecology, environmental science, biology, or related fields who are eager to gain a deeper understanding of ecosystem dynamics, population ecology, and the impact of environmental pollutants.
It is also well-suited for professionals working in environmental conservation, ecotoxicology, or ecological research who wish to expand their expertise on how pollutants influence ecosystems and populations. Additionally, anyone passionate about unraveling the complexities of ecological balance, understanding the consequences of environmental changes, and exploring the roles of different species in maintaining ecological integrity will find this course highly valuable.
Earn Your Certification
Demonstrate your expertise with an official NOA Academy certification. Upon successfully completing a program, you’ll receive a digital certificate detailing your achievement, including the course title and your name. This verified credential is ready to be added to your LinkedIn profile, academic applications, and professional portfolios, signaling your commitment to specialized knowledge and skill development.
Course Curriculum
This curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of ecological systems, focusing on interactions, adaptations, and the impact of pollutants on the biosphere. Over twenty-four engaging classes, you will delve into the complexities of various ecosystems, from the frozen tundra to lush tropical rainforests, and examine how different species interact within these environments.
Each class delves into specific environmental contexts and ecological processes, including energy flow, nutrient cycles, and the effects of invasive species. You will also explore behavioral ecology, studying how predation, competition, and symbiosis influence species interactions and survival strategies. Additionally, the course covers critical topics in ecotoxicology, such as the impact of pollutants and bioaccumulation in food webs.
By the end of this course, you will have a thorough understanding of the dynamic relationships within ecosystems and the adaptive responses of organisms to environmental changes and human impacts. Get ready to embark on a detailed journey through Earth's diverse habitats and uncover the vital connections that sustain and challenge life.
Sustainable Development Goals
My daughter absolutely loved the Ecology II: Dynamics of Populations course! The material was so rewarding, and it really deepened her understanding of how species interact and survive in their environments. She was particularly impressed by how the course connected theoretical concepts to real-world situations. The hands-on projects were a highlight, allowing her to apply what she learned in meaningful ways. This course has inspired her to pursue a future in ecology, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the impact it’s had on her.
- Mark S.
