About this course: 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...
Who is this class for: This MOOC is intended for a broad worldwide audience and for individuals with a passion for the outdoors. While we believe everyone will enjoy this course, Mountains 101 has particular appeal for adult learners, post-secondary institutions and researchers, and mountain studies and educational tourism professionals.
Created by: University of Alberta
Taught by: Zac Robinson, Assistant Professor
Physical Education & Recreation
Taught by: David Hik, Professor
Biological Sciences
| Commitment | 12 weeks of study, 3 - 5 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
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, 3 readings
- Reading: Instructional Staff
- Video: 1.1 Course Introduction
- Video: 1.2 Why do Mountains Matter?
- Video: 1.3 Defining a Mountain
- Video: Tech Tip 01: Your Feet are Your Vehicle
- Reading: Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 1
- Reading: Course notes and recomended readings
Graded: Lesson 1
WEEK 2
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, 2 readings
- Video: 2.1 Mountains & Deep Time
- Video: 2.2 Current Theories of Mountain Building
- Video: 2.3 Types of Mountains
- Video: 2.4 Conclusion
- Video: Tech Tip 02: Dress for Success
- Reading: Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 2
- Reading: Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 2
Graded: Lesson 2
WEEK 3
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, 2 readings
- Video: 3.1 Global Climate Drivers
- Video: 3.2 Local Climate Drivers
- Video: 3.3 Alpine Environments
- Video: Tech Tip 03: What goes in your pack?
- Reading: Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 3
- Reading: Course notes and recomended readings - Lesson 3
Graded: Lesson 3
WEEK 4
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, 2 readings
- Video: 4.1 Atmospheric Pressure & Oxygen Partial Pressure
- Video: 4.2 Acclimatization
- Video: 4.3 Adaptation of High-Altitude Peoples
- Video: Tech Tip 04: Stay Found - Preparation
- Reading: Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 4
- Reading: Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 4
Graded: Lesson 4
WEEK 5
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, 2 readings
- Video: 5.1 Water Towers
- Video: 5.2 Sources of Water in Mountains
- Video: 5.3 Runoff
- Video: 5.4 When Water Towers Malfunction
- Video: Tech Tip 05: Stay Found – In the Field
- Reading: Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 5
- Reading: Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 5
Graded: Lesson 5
WEEK 6
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, 2 readings
- Video: 6.1 What are Glaciers?
- Video: 6.2 Types of Glaciers
- Video: 6.3 Glacier Dynamics
- Video: 6.4 Glacier Features & Land Modifications
- Video: Tech Tip 06: Stay Safe (Fall or Fall In)
- Reading: Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 6
- Reading: Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 6
Graded: Lesson 6
WEEK 7
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, 2 readings
- Video: 7.1 Attitudes Towards Mountains
- Video: 7.2 Western Romantic Enthusiasm
- Video: Tech Tip 07: Stay Safe - Winter Challenges
- Reading: Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 7
- Reading: Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 7
Graded: Lesson 7
WEEK 8
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, 2 readings
- Video: 8.1 Avalanches
- Video: 8.2 Landslides
- Video: 8.3 Volcanoes
- Video: Tech Tip 08: Stay Safe - Avalanche Safety (Know Before You Go)
- Reading: Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 8
- Reading: Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 8
Graded: Lesson 8
WEEK 9
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, 1 reading
- Video: 9.1 Biodiversity in Mountains
- Video: 9.2 Hotspots of Biodiversity
- Video: 9.3 Adaptations of Conifer Trees
- Video: 9.4 Adaptations of Alpine Plants
- Video: 9.5 Reproduction of Alpine Plants
- Video: Tech Tip 09: Go Farther - Camping
- Reading: Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 9
Graded: Lesson 9
WEEK 10
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, 1 reading
- Video: 10.1 Adaptations of Animals to Mountain Environments
- Video: 10.2 Examples of Mountain Adapted Species
- Video: 10.3 Freshwater Fish in Mountain Lakes
- Video: Tech Tip 10: Go Farther - Cooking
- Reading: Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 10
Graded: Lesson 10
WEEK 11
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, 2 readings
- Video: 11.1 Use & Preservation
- Video: 11.2 Preservation
- Video: 11.3 Integrating Use & Preservation
- Video: Tech Tip 11: Go Softly - Mountain Ethics
- Reading: Your Mountain World Interactive Map - Lesson 11
- Reading: Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 11
Graded: Lesson 11
WEEK 12
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, 1 reading
- Video: 12.1 Climate Change
- Video: 12.2 Biodiversity
- Video: 12.3 Into the Future
- Reading: Course notes and recommended readings - Lesson 12
Graded: Lesson 12
FAQs
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University of Alberta
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Ratings and Reviews
A really interesting and entertaining course. As a ranger in a national park in Iceland it also benefited me in my work.
My only complaints are that sometimes you can feel that the audio needs to be remastered. The sound quality of the lecturers voices vary during a single lecture and there is only one song used (which is too dramatic in the first place and already over used in week 2). Also, the prime minister ending was too much. It felt like having a desert that's way too sweet and you want to vomit.
But these are negligible factors. The course was great, thanks a lot!
This course was my perfect re-introduction to learning. I haven't taken courses for approximately 20+ years and Mountains 101 was fun and engaging. Recommended to everyone.
This is a very good course for everyone who loves mountains. It provides amazing view points and a lot of insight for mountains, not only in Canada, but also the worl
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very interesting and informative