In this course, learners will get familiarized with the major components of wetlands, including their formation and hydrology. They will explore the different soil types, the role of nutrient cycling, and the intrinsic connection to the resulting vegetation. The course will cover the types of plants and animals that utilize wetland habitats and their adaptations to this environment. By the end of the course, learners will have a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of wetlands, as well as the importance of the resulting ecosystem services.
Discovering the Basics of Wetlands
Discovering the Basics of Wetlands
This course is part of multiple programs.
Instructor: Jeffrey W. Matthews, Ph.D.
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Major components of wetlands, including their formation and hydrology
Types of plants and animals that utilize wetland habitats and their adaptations to this environment
Structure and function of wetlands and the importance of their ecosystem services
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
6 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is available as part of
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.
- 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
There are 4 modules in this course
In the course orientation, you will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. Then dive into the second part of this module to explore the fascinating world of wetlands from wetland types to formation and hydrology. People have recognized wetlands for a long time, but it’s only more recently that we’ve started to call all these places wetlands.
What's included
10 videos8 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin
You will explore the foundation of wetlands and their soils in this module. The characteristics of wetlands hydric soils contribute to the unique plant and animal life found in wetland ecosystems. Explore how nutrients and energy cycling occurs in wetlands and tackle global conservation issues.
What's included
11 videos3 readings1 assignment
Wetlands are home to a unique and diverse range of organisms that have adapted to the difficulties of moisture, acidity, low oxygen, and fluctuating temperatures found in these ecosystems. You will explore the intricacies of wetland organisms and how they have adapted to thrive in a tough ecosystem.
What's included
9 videos5 readings1 assignment
Wetland structure is largely impacted by hydrology. This impacts the species present in a particular wetland and the overall structure of the wetland. You will examine the role of hydrology and it's impact on the ecosystem services and functions a wetland may provide. At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!
What's included
12 videos6 readings2 assignments1 plugin
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Offered by
Explore more from Environmental Science and Sustainability
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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Frequently asked questions
Yes! Although completion of the Coursera course alone is not credit-bearing, it is a required component of a graduate-level Canvas course that can be "stacked" toward advanced credentials such as an academic (transcriptable) graduate certificate or a degree. If you decide to pursue further education, the credits you earn from this course can be applied toward a formal academic program, provided that you meet all the requirements of admission to the certificate or degree.
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.
More questions
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