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Citizen science and global biodiversity

Nature and the biosphere

Open Learn (The Open University)
Open Learn (The Open University)

This free course, Citizen science and global biodiversity, deals with the importance of biodiversity and explores how anyone can contribute to and be involved in identifying and recording wildlife, as a citizen scientist. It looks at what citizen science is, and how citizen science facilitates public involvement in scientific research activities as individuals learn and build skills.

  • Date (DD-MM-YYYY)

    26-08-2025 to 26-08-2026

    Available on-demand until 26th August 2026

  • CPD points/hours/credits

    Free statement of participation on completion

  • Cost

    Free

  • Education type

    Virtual

  • CPD subtype

    On-demand

Description

Traditional biological keys are introduced and online recording is demonstrated using citizen science techniques and practical activities using the www.iSpotnature.org platform. The course goes on to demonstrate how, once a species is identified, web resources can be used to research its ecology. The role of citizen science is illustrated through a number of case studies from across the world. Finally, the course concludes by exploring the impact citizen scientists are having on recording biodiversity around the globe.

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • observe, record and analyse biodiversity
  • join the iSpot community and learn from real examples how organisms are identified
  • undertake observations and post these to the iSpot website
  • use identification keys and other online aids to identification
  • understand the use of a microscope as a tool to aid identification.

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