Mountains 101
University of Alberta
Acerca de este Curso
Mountains 101 is a broad and integrated overview of the mountain world. This 12-lesson course covers an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on the physical, biological, and human dimensions of mountain places in Alberta, Canada, and around the world. Specifically, we'll study the geological origins of mountains, how they’re built-up and worn-down over time; we’ll learn about their importance for biodiversity and water cycles, globally and locally; we’ll explore their cultural significance to societies around the globe, and how that relationship has evolved over time; and we’ll learn how mountains are used, how they’re protected, and how today they’re experiencing rapid change in a warming climate.
At the end of each lesson, Mountains 101 will also provide learners with some smart tricks -- Tech Tips -- to safely enjoy time in the high alpine environment: from how to pick the best footwear for hiking to making smart decisions in avalanche terrain.
We’ll be delivering your online lessons from valley bottoms to mountaintops, from museums and labs, to alpine huts and other spectacular alpine sites, and we’ll do so with the help of a whole host of experts.
We invite you to join us for this online adventure! The mountains are calling...
Habilidades que obtendrás
BiodiversityGeologyWildlife ConservationPlant Biology
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1
Section
Lesson 1: Why Mountains Matter
In this introductory lesson, you will learn why mountain environments are relevant to people all around the globe. We’ll also define just what a “mountain” is in order to show why it is useful to think about mountains from various perspectives. TechTip: Your feet are your vehicle
4 videos (Total 25 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
1.2 Why do Mountains Matter?6m
1.3 Defining a Mountain11m
Tech Tip 01: Your Feet are Your Vehicle2m
3 readings
Instructional Staff10m
Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 110m
Course notes and recomended readings10m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 120m
2
Section
Lesson 2: Origins
In Lesson 2, we discuss why mountains are located where they are. How did they get there? We’ll explore the physical origins of mountains, theories of mountain building, and how our changing ideas about mountains and their genesis have shaped our engagement with them. TechTip: Dress for success
5 videos (Total 46 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
5 videos
2.2 Current Theories of Mountain Building6m
2.3 Types of Mountains9m
2.4 Conclusion6m
Tech Tip 02: Dress for Success3m
2 readings
Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 210m
Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 210m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 220m
3
Section
Lesson 3: Climate
Mountains influence climate and weather at both global and local scales. In Lesson 3, we will examine how elevation affects atmospheric processes, and discuss an ecological manifestation of mountain climate: the alpine tree line. TechTip: What goes in your pack?
4 videos (Total 39 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
3.2 Local Climate Drivers5m
3.3 Alpine Environments7m
Tech Tip 03: What goes in your pack?4m
2 readings
Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 310m
Course notes and recomended readings - Lesson 310m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 320m
4
Section
Lesson 4: Bodies at Altitude
Lesson 4 explores some of the physiological responses that allow humans to visit higher altitudes, as well as the unique genetic adaptations that permit long-time exposure to the world’s high places. TechTip: Stay found – preparation
4 videos (Total 37 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
4.2 Acclimatization12m
4.3 Adaptation of High-Altitude Peoples9m
Tech Tip 04: Stay Found - Preparation3m
2 readings
Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 410m
Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 410m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 420m
5
Section
Lesson 5: Water Towers
Lesson 5 focuses on mountain hydrology. We'll discuss the ways that water moves through the mountain landscape, how water shapes and changes mountain landscapes, and we'll introduce some hazards associated with water, such as glacial lake outburst floods. TechTip: Stay found – in the field
5 videos (Total 40 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
5 videos
5.2 Sources of Water in Mountains10m
5.3 Runoff8m
5.4 When Water Towers Malfunction7m
Tech Tip 05: Stay Found – In the Field2m
2 readings
Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 510m
Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 510m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 520m
6
Section
Lesson 6: Glaciers
Lesson 6 focuses exclusively on glaciers, their physical composition and processes, how they form and move, and how they modify the landscape. We’ll also examine how our changing understandings of glaciers have shaped the ways people have engaged with mountain landscapes over the past few centuries. TechTip: Stay safe – from falling
5 videos (Total 36 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
5 videos
6.2 Types of Glaciers5m
6.3 Glacier Dynamics12m
6.4 Glacier Features & Land Modifications7m
Tech Tip 06: Stay Safe (Fall or Fall In)3m
2 readings
Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 610m
Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 610m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 620m
7
Section
Lesson 7: Imagination
In Lesson 7, we examine some of the ways people have imagined mountains throughout time, and try to place those ideas and attitudes in their respective cultural contexts. Appreciating the diversity of views – their reception in oral traditions, art, literature, architecture, and other cultural forms – gives us some context for the more dominant ways we think about and celebrate mountains today. TechTip: Stay safe – winter challenges
3 videos (Total 37 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
3 videos
7.2 Western Romantic Enthusiasm23m
Tech Tip 07: Stay Safe - Winter Challenges1m
2 readings
Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 710m
Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 710m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 720m
8
Section
Lesson 8: Hazards
Mountain hazards are the focus of Lesson 8, specifically snow avalanches, landslides, and volcanoes. We will examine the physical processes that lead to instability in mountain landscapes and consider how risks associated with hazards can be managed. TechTip: Stay safe – avalanche safety (know before you go)
4 videos (Total 43 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
8.2 Landslides7m
8.3 Volcanoes15m
Tech Tip 08: Stay Safe - Avalanche Safety (Know Before You Go)3m
2 readings
Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 810m
Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 810m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 820m
9
Section
Lesson 9: Mountain Biodiversity and Adaptations of Plants
In this Lesson 9, we discuss the ecological and evolutionary processes that account for the remarkable biodiversity of species living in mountain environments. Then, we explore some of the unique adaptations that plants have for coping with extreme conditions, including cold, intense solar radiation, and short growing seasons. TechTip: Go farther – camping
6 videos (Total 59 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
6 videos
9.2 Hotspots of Biodiversity9m
9.3 Adaptations of Conifer Trees11m
9.4 Adaptations of Alpine Plants11m
9.5 Reproduction of Alpine Plants8m
Tech Tip 09: Go Farther - Camping3m
1 readings
Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 910m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 920m
10
Section
Lesson 10: Animal Adaptations
Animals living in mountains have evolved morphological, behavioural, and physiological adaptations to survive under extreme conditions. In Lesson 10, we will focus on how several species deal with the cold and conclude with a peek at the adaptations of fish living in mountain lakes. TechTip: Go farther – cooking
4 videos (Total 46 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
4 videos
10.2 Examples of Mountain Adapted Species15m
10.3 Freshwater Fish in Mountain Lakes7m
Tech Tip 10: Go Farther - Cooking3m
1 readings
Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 1010m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 1020m
11
Section
Lesson 11: Use and Preservation
How are mountains used? How are they preserved? In Lesson 11, we examine the often conflicting demands of using mountains, and preserving and managing the integrity of mountain environments, cultures and economies. TechTip: Go softly – mountain ethics
4 videos (Total 53 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
11.2 Preservation16m
11.3 Integrating Use & Preservation14m
Tech Tip 11: Go Softly - Mountain Ethics4m
2 readings
Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 1110m
Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 1110m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 1120m
12
Section
Lesson 12: Future Mountains
In Lesson 12, we will look forward and consider some possible future scenarios for mountains. How is our changing climate affecting these places? What are the indicators of change? What lessons can we learn from the past and present to inform decisions for tomorrow?
3 videos (Total 58 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
1 readings
Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 1210m
1 practice exercises
Lesson 1220m
4.9
40%
83%
Top Reviews
By SK•Dec 23rd 2017
So interesting! So well made, every lesson is thought out the interactive mountain map was a joy to complete each time! Incredibly thoughtful and sensitive to every aspect that touches the mountains.
By CM•Aug 1st 2017
Excellent course, it's very complete and it reaches several disciplines, making it an integral course. Besides, it's interactive and it gives a lot of examples. Thanks for such a great course!
Instructors
Zac Robinson
Associate Professor
David Hik
ProfessorAbout University of Alberta
UAlberta is considered among the world’s leading public research- and teaching-intensive universities. As one of Canada’s top universities, we’re known for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering and health sciences.
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