Introduction to Genetics and Evolution is a college-level class being offered simultaneously to new students at Duke University. The course gives interested people a very basic overview of some principles behind these very fundamental areas of biology. We often hear about new "genome sequences," commercial kits that can tell you about your ancestry (including pre-human) from your DNA or disease predispositions, debates about the truth of evolution, why animals behave the way they do, and how people found "genetic evidence for natural selection." This course provides the basic biology you need to understand all of these issues better, tries to clarify some misconceptions, and tries to prepare students for future, more advanced coursework in Biology (and especially evolutionary genetics). No prior coursework is assumed.
Introduction to Genetics and Evolution
Offered By
Duke University
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
120 minutes to complete
Welcome to Genetics and Evolution
General introduction to this MOOC, including coverage and expectations.
2 readings
2 readings
Welcome to the Course10m
Course App and Readings10m
2 hours to complete
Evidence for Evolution
This module discusses the definition of the word "evolution" in a biological context, evidence for the truth of evolution and common ancestry of species, and public thoughts and misconceptions about biological evolution. This module is optional and will not be included in the course assessments. There are not class discussion forums for this section, as we feel such discussion can happen on other, non-course-related, sites on this topic (of which there are a great many on the internet).
5 videos (Total 81 min), 1 reading
5 videos
Basic Principles and Evidence for Evolution (G)17m
Acceptance of Evolution (G)13m
Responding to Criticisms of Evolutionary Theory (G)12m
Interview with Jerry Coyne (G)30m
1 reading
Supplemental Materials, Evidence for Evolution10m
Week
22 hours to complete
Genetics I
An introduction to basic transmission genetics and inheritance. This module reflects what is often covered in high school biology courses in the USA.
6 videos (Total 74 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
6 videos
Inheritance (G)11m
Genetic Scales (S)11m
Mitosis, Meiosis, and Ploidy (S)8m
Basic Single-Gene Inheritance (G)15m
X-Linked Inheritance and Independent Assortment (S)16m
1 reading
Supplemental Materials, Genetics I10m
2 practice exercises
Genetics Problem Set 112m
Genetics I Quiz20m
Week
32 hours to complete
Genetics II
This module delves somewhat more deeply into genetics and specifically the concept of "recombination." It begins to discuss how recombination is leveraged in classic genetic works as well as mapping simple genetic traits using crosses or data from natural populations.
7 videos (Total 97 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
7 videos
Calculation of Recombination Distance (S)15m
Generating a Gene Map (S)11m
Bonus Video: A More Challenging Problem (S)9m
Genetic Mapping (S)11m
Mapping Traits Relative to Markers in a Cross (S)11m
Mapping Traits Relative to Markers in a Population (S)21m
1 reading
Supplemental Materials, Genetics II10m
2 practice exercises
Genetics Problem Set 222m
Genetics II Quiz20m
Week
42 hours to complete
Genetics III
This module delves even more deeply into the complexities of the genetics underlying traits,the origin of genetic variation, and how "complex" traits (ones controlled by multiple genes) are studied genetically.
6 videos (Total 75 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
6 videos
Shortcomings of the Single Gene Model (G)19m
Mutation Rates (S)10m
Mapping Complex Traits (S)11m
Complex Traits in Crosses (S)9m
Genome-wide Association Studies (S)12m
1 reading
Supplemental Materials, Genetics III10m
2 practice exercises
Genetics Problem Set 316m
Genetics III Quiz20m
4.8
145 Reviews60%
started a new career after completing these courses
44%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
17%
got a pay increase or promotion
Top Reviews
The course is really interesting! I love the way the professor demonstrate genetics theories by countless examples and evidence. And those questions about debates in genetics are thought-provoking!
Very good course that prepared me for Genetics at Pima Community College in Tucson. I am able to follow the lectures and actually understand what is being presented. I am glad I took this course.
Instructor
Dr. Mohamed Noor
Earl D. McLean Professor and Chair,Biology
About Duke University
Duke University has about 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a world-class faculty helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge. The university has a strong commitment to applying knowledge in service to society, both near its North Carolina campus and around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
Will I receive a transcript from Duke University for completing this course?
No. Completion of a Coursera course does not earn you academic credit from Duke; therefore, Duke is not able to provide you with a university transcript. However, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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