Duration
6 weeksWeekly study
2 hours100% online
How it works
Introduction to Sharks
Delve into the fascinating world of sharks and marine biology
Sharks have been on the planet for over 450 million years and are top apex predators. Yet human actions are causing a serious decline in shark populations worldwide.
On this six-week course, you’ll gain a deep understanding of these fascinating creatures and the important role they play in the ocean. You’ll also explore human impacts on sharks, both negative and positive.
This exploration will see you unpack the research and conservation efforts helping to preserve these remarkable species.
Explore shark anatomy
You’ll start by discovering the differences between cartilaginous and bony fish, such as body shape, appearance, and organ structure.
With this knowledge, you’ll understand shark anatomy and what makes sharks different from other marine life in the ocean.
Understand the importance of sharks
Next, you’ll delve into the ecological characteristics of sharks and explore their classification.
Through this exploration, you’ll discover the importance of sharks and how they play a vital role in ocean health.
Explore the marine conservation efforts for sharks
Finally, you’ll learn about shark fishing practices and the status of shark catches before moving onto different research and conservation practices in place.
You’ll delve into a fascinating case study on whale sharks in Taiwan to gain insights into these creatures. What’s more, you’ll explore the collaborative conservation efforts taken to protect sharks.
By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and understanding of sharks to help you actively contribute to their preservation.
What topics will you cover?
Topic 1: Exploring the Differences between Cartilaginous and Bony Fish Topic 2: Delving into the Ecological Aspects of Sharks Topic 3: Introducing the Classification of Sharks Topic 4: Understanding Shark Fishing Practices and Utilization Methods Topic 5: Spotlight on Shark Research - A Case Study of Whale Sharks in Taiwan Topic 6: Sharks Unstoppable? Collaborative Efforts for Shark Conservation
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Compare the difference between cartilaginous fish and bony fish.
- Explore the ecological characteristics of sharks.
- Classify the classification of sharks.
- Explore the fishing and utilization of sharks.
- Explain the research on whale sharks in Taiwan
- Reflect on shark conservation management
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in sharks.
You could be a student, researcher, conservationist or simply a marine enthusiast wanting to learn more about sharks and the conservation challenges these species face.
Who will you learn with?
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Limited access |
---|---|---|---|
Choose the best way to learn for you! | $109/one-off payment | $244.99 for a whole year Automatically renews | Free |
Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Sample the course materials | |
Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 18 Mar 2025 |
Access to 1,000+ courses | cross | tick | cross |
Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$244.99 for a whole year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$109/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 18 Mar 2025
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply. |
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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