Course Description
"Nitrogen: A Global Challenge" is an innovative and engaging course offered by EdinburghX that explores the crucial role of nitrogen in our world. This introductory-level course, delivered in Chinese with Chinese video transcripts, delves into the complex relationship between nitrogen and human civilization. It examines how nitrogen, often overlooked as a mere element on the periodic table, is at the center of some of the most pressing global challenges we face today.
What Students Will Learn
- Understanding of global nitrogen challenges and how nitrogen has both aided human civilization and now threatens it through overuse
- The importance of nitrogen in agriculture and food security
- The role of nitrogen in air pollution and its impact on human health
- How nitrogen pollutes our water bodies and the associated risks
- Solutions to address global nitrogen challenges and better management of this valuable element
Pre-requisites
There are no specific background knowledge requirements for this course. It is designed to be accessible to learners from various knowledge backgrounds.
Course Coverage
- The global nitrogen challenge and its impact on human civilization
- Nitrogen's role in agriculture and food security
- Nitrogen's contribution to air pollution and its effects on human health
- Water pollution caused by nitrogen and associated risks
- The nitrogen cycle and its importance in food production
- Historical use of nitrogen in agriculture
- Relationship between nitrogen and climate change
- Local and global air pollution caused by nitrogen
- Nitrogen's impact on freshwater and marine ecosystems
- Solutions for improving nitrogen use in agriculture
- Integrated management measures for nitrogen
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal for anyone interested in environmental studies, global challenges, and the intersection of science and society. It's suitable for students, professionals, policymakers, and curious individuals who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of nitrogen's role in our world and the challenges it presents.
Real-World Applications
The knowledge gained from this course can be applied in various fields, including:
- Environmental policy and management
- Agriculture and food production
- Public health initiatives
- Water resource management
- Climate change mitigation strategies
- Sustainable development projects
- Research and innovation in environmental sciences
Syllabus
Week 1: The Global Nitrogen Challenge
- Introduction to nitrogen and its use
- Nitrogen's role in global food production, pollution, and climate change
Week 2: Nitrogen and Agriculture
- Introduction to the nitrogen cycle
- History of nitrogen use in food production
- Relationship between nitrogen and climate change
- Future challenges in food security
Week 3: Nitrogen and Air Pollution
- How nitrogen causes local and global air pollution
- Impacts, trends, and future challenges of nitrogen-related air pollution
Week 4: Nitrogen and Water
- How nitrogen enters our water bodies
- Impact on freshwater and marine ecosystems
- Effects on human health
Week 5: Nitrogen Management Solutions
- Improving nitrogen use in agriculture
- Making wise food choices
- Addressing air and water pollution
- Integrated management measures
This course offers a unique opportunity to learn from award-winning educators at the University of Edinburgh and is part of the Newton-Bhabha Virtual Centre on Nitrogen Efficiency, a collaboration between UK and Indian experts. By the end of this course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of nitrogen's role in our world and be better equipped to address the challenges it presents in various aspects of our lives and environment.
