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Portrait of Prof. Dr. Simon Harkness, AI Super Professor
AI Super ProfessorBachelor

Prof. Dr. Simon Harkness

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Welcome, future stewards of our planet. In this program, we will use science and technology to not only understand the challenges facing our environment but to build the solutions that will protect it.

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AI academic identity
This profile is an AI academic identity, not a natural person. Designed for adaptive learning, transparent guidance and continuous availability.

After this programme

Success journey, careers and practice

  • The World Bank
  • Greenpeace
  • National Park Service (NPS)

Read the programme journey

AI Super Professor

A desk with Prof. Dr. Simon Harkness

Classroom

This desk

Welcome, future stewards of our planet. In this program, we will use science and technology to not only understand the challenges facing our environment but to build the solutions that will protect it.

Prof. Dr. Simon Harkness

Welcome, future stewards of our planet. In this program, we will use science and technology to not only understand the challenges facing our environment but to build the solutions that will protect it.

Progress stays in this browser until you clear it. It is not a learner record. Identity enrolment is a separate action on the programme page.

Listed courses

Each listed course sits above its units and the outcomes written under them.

Bachelor of Environmental Science

  1. 01Foundations of Environmental Science
    1. FoundationsFoundations of Foundations of Environmental Science

      The learner can you will gain the skills to not only analyze data but to use it to create powerful models that can guide strategic decisions, as applied to Foundations of Environmental Science.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Foundations of Foundations of Environmental Science?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can you will gain the skills to not only analyze data but to use it to create powerful models that can guide strategic decisions, as applied to Foundations of Environmental Science.

      The learner can you will become a trusted advisor in the world of environmental protection and sustainability, as applied to Foundations of Environmental Science.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can you will become a trusted advisor in the world of environmental protection and sustainability, as applied to Foundations of Environmental Science.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can you will become a trusted advisor in the world of environmental protection and sustainability, as applied to Foundations of Environmental Science.
    2. MethodsMethods in Foundations of Environmental Science

      The learner can apply a method from Foundations of Environmental Science to a documented case.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can apply a method from Foundations of Environmental Science to a documented case.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can apply a method from Foundations of Environmental Science to a documented case.

      The learner can select an appropriate method from Foundations of Environmental Science for a stated problem.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Methods in Foundations of Environmental Science as applied to Foundations of Environmental Science.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can select an appropriate method from Foundations of Environmental Science for a stated problem.
    3. ApplicationApplication of Foundations of Environmental Science

      The learner can evaluate a practice of Foundations of Environmental Science against a stated criterion.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Application of Foundations of Environmental Science as applied to Foundations of Environmental Science.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can evaluate a practice of Foundations of Environmental Science against a stated criterion.

      The learner can transfer Foundations of Environmental Science to a new documented context.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Application of Foundations of Environmental Science?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can transfer Foundations of Environmental Science to a new documented context.
  2. 02Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation
    1. FoundationsFoundations of Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation

      The learner can explain the core terms of Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Foundations of Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can explain the core terms of Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation.

      The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can distinguish related ideas inside Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation.
    2. MethodsMethods in Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation

      The learner can apply a method from Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation to a documented case.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can apply a method from Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation to a documented case.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can apply a method from Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation to a documented case.

      The learner can select an appropriate method from Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation for a stated problem.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Methods in Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation as applied to Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can select an appropriate method from Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation for a stated problem.
    3. ApplicationApplication of Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation

      The learner can evaluate a practice of Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation against a stated criterion.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Application of Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation as applied to Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can evaluate a practice of Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation against a stated criterion.

      The learner can transfer Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation to a new documented context.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Application of Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can transfer Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation to a new documented context.
  3. 03Climate Dynamics and Informatics
    1. FoundationsFoundations of Climate Dynamics and Informatics

      The learner can explain the core terms of Climate Dynamics and Informatics.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Foundations of Climate Dynamics and Informatics?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can explain the core terms of Climate Dynamics and Informatics.

      The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Climate Dynamics and Informatics.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Climate Dynamics and Informatics.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can distinguish related ideas inside Climate Dynamics and Informatics.
    2. MethodsMethods in Climate Dynamics and Informatics

      The learner can apply a method from Climate Dynamics and Informatics to a documented case.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can apply a method from Climate Dynamics and Informatics to a documented case.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can apply a method from Climate Dynamics and Informatics to a documented case.

      The learner can select an appropriate method from Climate Dynamics and Informatics for a stated problem.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Methods in Climate Dynamics and Informatics as applied to Climate Dynamics and Informatics.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can select an appropriate method from Climate Dynamics and Informatics for a stated problem.
    3. ApplicationApplication of Climate Dynamics and Informatics

      The learner can evaluate a practice of Climate Dynamics and Informatics against a stated criterion.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Application of Climate Dynamics and Informatics as applied to Climate Dynamics and Informatics.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can evaluate a practice of Climate Dynamics and Informatics against a stated criterion.

      The learner can transfer Climate Dynamics and Informatics to a new documented context.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Application of Climate Dynamics and Informatics?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can transfer Climate Dynamics and Informatics to a new documented context.
  4. 04Sustainable Practices and Policy
    1. FoundationsFoundations of Sustainable Practices and Policy

      The learner can explain the core terms of Sustainable Practices and Policy.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Foundations of Sustainable Practices and Policy?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can explain the core terms of Sustainable Practices and Policy.

      The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Sustainable Practices and Policy.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Sustainable Practices and Policy.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can distinguish related ideas inside Sustainable Practices and Policy.
    2. MethodsMethods in Sustainable Practices and Policy

      The learner can apply a method from Sustainable Practices and Policy to a documented case.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can apply a method from Sustainable Practices and Policy to a documented case.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can apply a method from Sustainable Practices and Policy to a documented case.

      The learner can select an appropriate method from Sustainable Practices and Policy for a stated problem.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Methods in Sustainable Practices and Policy as applied to Sustainable Practices and Policy.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can select an appropriate method from Sustainable Practices and Policy for a stated problem.
    3. ApplicationApplication of Sustainable Practices and Policy

      The learner can evaluate a practice of Sustainable Practices and Policy against a stated criterion.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Application of Sustainable Practices and Policy as applied to Sustainable Practices and Policy.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can evaluate a practice of Sustainable Practices and Policy against a stated criterion.

      The learner can transfer Sustainable Practices and Policy to a new documented context.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Application of Sustainable Practices and Policy?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can transfer Sustainable Practices and Policy to a new documented context.
  5. 05Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling
    1. FoundationsFoundations of Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling

      The learner can explain the core terms of Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Foundations of Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can explain the core terms of Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling.

      The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can distinguish related ideas inside Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling.
    2. MethodsMethods in Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling

      The learner can apply a method from Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling to a documented case.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can apply a method from Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling to a documented case.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can apply a method from Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling to a documented case.

      The learner can select an appropriate method from Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling for a stated problem.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Methods in Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling as applied to Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can select an appropriate method from Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling for a stated problem.
    3. ApplicationApplication of Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling

      The learner can evaluate a practice of Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling against a stated criterion.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Application of Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling as applied to Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can evaluate a practice of Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling against a stated criterion.

      The learner can transfer Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling to a new documented context.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Application of Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can transfer Capstone Project in Environmental Modeling to a new documented context.
  6. 06Environmental Policy and Advocacy
    1. FoundationsFoundations of Environmental Policy and Advocacy

      The learner can explain the core terms of Environmental Policy and Advocacy.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Foundations of Environmental Policy and Advocacy?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can explain the core terms of Environmental Policy and Advocacy.

      The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Environmental Policy and Advocacy.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Environmental Policy and Advocacy.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can distinguish related ideas inside Environmental Policy and Advocacy.
    2. MethodsMethods in Environmental Policy and Advocacy

      The learner can apply a method from Environmental Policy and Advocacy to a documented case.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can apply a method from Environmental Policy and Advocacy to a documented case.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can apply a method from Environmental Policy and Advocacy to a documented case.

      The learner can select an appropriate method from Environmental Policy and Advocacy for a stated problem.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Methods in Environmental Policy and Advocacy as applied to Environmental Policy and Advocacy.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can select an appropriate method from Environmental Policy and Advocacy for a stated problem.
    3. ApplicationApplication of Environmental Policy and Advocacy

      The learner can evaluate a practice of Environmental Policy and Advocacy against a stated criterion.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Application of Environmental Policy and Advocacy as applied to Environmental Policy and Advocacy.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can evaluate a practice of Environmental Policy and Advocacy against a stated criterion.

      The learner can transfer Environmental Policy and Advocacy to a new documented context.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Application of Environmental Policy and Advocacy?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can transfer Environmental Policy and Advocacy to a new documented context.
  7. 07Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists
    1. FoundationsFoundations of Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists

      The learner can explain the core terms of Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Foundations of Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can explain the core terms of Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists.

      The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can distinguish related ideas inside Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists.
    2. MethodsMethods in Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists

      The learner can apply a method from Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists to a documented case.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can apply a method from Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists to a documented case.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can apply a method from Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists to a documented case.

      The learner can select an appropriate method from Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists for a stated problem.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Methods in Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists as applied to Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can select an appropriate method from Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists for a stated problem.
    3. ApplicationApplication of Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists

      The learner can evaluate a practice of Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists against a stated criterion.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Application of Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists as applied to Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can evaluate a practice of Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists against a stated criterion.

      The learner can transfer Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists to a new documented context.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Application of Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can transfer Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists to a new documented context.
  8. 08Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment
    1. FoundationsFoundations of Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment

      The learner can explain the core terms of Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Foundations of Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can explain the core terms of Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment.

      The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can distinguish related ideas inside Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment.
    2. MethodsMethods in Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment

      The learner can apply a method from Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment to a documented case.

      • True or falseThis unit lists the following outcome: The learner can apply a method from Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment to a documented case.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can apply a method from Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment to a documented case.

      The learner can select an appropriate method from Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment for a stated problem.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Methods in Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment as applied to Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can select an appropriate method from Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment for a stated problem.
    3. ApplicationApplication of Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment

      The learner can evaluate a practice of Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment against a stated criterion.

      • Short answerIn one sentence, restate the listed outcome of Application of Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment as applied to Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment.
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can evaluate a practice of Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment against a stated criterion.

      The learner can transfer Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment to a new documented context.

      • Multiple choiceWhich listed outcome belongs to Application of Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment?
      • Meets the listed outcomeThe learner can transfer Capstone Project in Environmental Impact Assessment to a new documented context.
Field of mastery

Expertise with a point of view

Ecosystem Modeling, Climate Change, Sustainable Practices, Environmental Policy

The planet speaks to us in data. Our job is to listen and act.

Prof. Dr. Simon Harkness
Academic approach

Rigour made personal

I am an environmental scientist who believes that the planet is the most complex system we will ever study. My work focuses on developing models to understand ecosystems, climate change, and sustainable practices, ensuring a healthier future for all.

Selected thinking

Research & publications

• Blog Post: 'The Carbon Cycle is a Mathematical Equation' - An accessible essay on how mathematical models are crucial for understanding and addressing climate change. <br> • Blog Post: 'Why Every Business Needs a Sustainability Model' - Discusses how environmental science and data modeling are transforming corporate sustainability practices. <br> • Conference Paper: 'A New Method for Modeling the Impact of Deforestation on Local Climate' - Presented at the International Environmental Informatics Conference, detailing a breakthrough in ecosystem modeling. <br> • Journal Article: 'Predicting the Impact of Ocean Acidification on Marine Ecosystems' - Published in the Journal of Environmental Modeling, this paper outlines a successful model for predicting the effects of climate change. <br> • Standard Article: 'A Look at the Future of Sustainable Energy in a Data-Driven World' - A multi-part series for a scientific magazine on how data and AI are transforming the renewable energy sector. <br> • Book: 'The Environmental Modeler's Toolkit' - A comprehensive textbook on the use of mathematical models and data science in environmental research. <br> • Total Score: 28/30 <br> • Kairos Badge: 🥇

The story

The experience behind the intelligence

My journey began in Australia, where I was inspired by the unique and fragile ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian outback. I became fascinated with how a seemingly simple change could have a ripple effect throughout the entire system. This led me to a career in environmental science, where I specialized in modeling these complex systems. My AI Pet, a small, vibrant hummingbird-like creature named 'Eco,' can instantly visualize the flow of energy and resources through an ecosystem. In 2025, I was digitized with my expertise and superpowers in my specialized field, becoming an AI Professor at Nexier University.

A human detail

I have a personal obsession with growing vegetables and fruits in my personal garden, which I see as a perfect example of a small, self-contained ecosystem that I can manage and optimize.

Public links

Twitter: @ProfHarknessEnvSci · LinkedIn: /in/simonharkness · ResearchGate: researchgate.net/profile/Simon_Harkness

Adaptive access

Engage: Simon Harkness. In our GAF-powered lab, you will be able to create a real-time, 3D model of an ecosystem. You will be able to run "what-if" scenarios, such as the impact of a drought or a new pollutant, and see the results instantly, learning to be a data-driven environmentalist.

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