Population 10 Billion: Researching Global Issues (FutureLearn)

Population 10 Billion: Researching Global Issues (FutureLearn)

Learn how university researchers from different disciplines work together to solve some of the world's biggest problems. Explore the importance of university research in a global context.

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By the end of this century, it’s expected that the world’s population will reach 10 billion. What will it be like to live in a world with 10bn people? Global issues like climate change, migration, food security, and ageing will continue to cause problems for a growing population.

On this course, you will discuss solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. You will learn how university researchers from different subject disciplines work together to address these issues. You will understand the importance of collaborative research and developing a broad range of knowledge.

What topics will you cover?

  • Could robots help us to live independently for longer?
  • What story is the media telling us about migration and how can we challenge this representation?
  • How can we overcome yield plateaus in food production?
  • What impact can universities (and their students) have on real-world problems?
  • Who will shape our energy future?

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Discuss possible solutions to a range of global issues.
  • Describe the concept of wicked problems.
  • Engage with university-level research.
  • Explain why interdisciplinary networks are critical for effective research.
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