This course is part of the Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization

Scott Solomon

Offered By

Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity SpecializationRice University

About this Course

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In this course we will examine the incredible variety of life that inhabits this planet including microorganisms, plants, and animals. For each of the major groups we’ll learn about their characteristics, functions, and how they came into existence as well as some of the roles they play in the natural world, and how they’re relevant to people. We’ll also take a close look at us humans and consider what we know about our origins and what might become of us in the future.

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Shareable Certificate

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Coursera Labs

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Course 3 of 3 in the

Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization

Beginner Level

None.

Approx. 22 hours to complete

English

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Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Course 3 of 3 in the

Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization

Beginner Level

None.

Approx. 22 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Scott Solomon

Associate Teaching Professor

Department of BioSciences

2,372 Learners

3 Courses

Offered by

Rice University

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

1 hour to complete

Welcome to Introduction of Biology - Biodiversity

1 hour to complete

2 videos (Total 5 min), 3 readings

2 hours to complete

Module 1: What is life and how did it begin?

2 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 21 min), 7 readings, 3 quizzes

5 videos

How many species are currently alive on Earth?3mWhat is a species?5mOrigin of Life2mClassic Experiment: Simulating the Origin of Life4mHow did life begin?4m

7 readings

Incomplete Notes on "How Many Species Are Alive?"1mMore on Biodiversity30mIncomplete Notes on "What Is a Species?"1mIncomplete Notes on "Origin of Life"1mIncomplete Notes on "Simulating the Origin of Life"1mIncomplete Notes on "How Did Life Begin?"1m📖 Openstax textbook references for Module 115m

3 practice exercises

Species Unknown?5mFirst Life on Earth15mModule 1 Quiz30m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Module 2: Prokaryotic Life

2 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 24 min), 5 readings, 3 quizzes

6 hours to complete

Module 3: Eukaryotic Life

6 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 42 min), 7 readings, 2 quizzes

5 videos

The Eukaryotic Cell6mProtists7mHow Plants Help People6mKey Innovations of Plants13mFungi7m

7 readings

Incomplete Notes on "The Eukaryotic Cell"1mIncomplete Notes on "Protists"1mIncomplete Notes on "How Plants Help People"1mMedicinal Plants at Risk30mIncomplete Notes on "Key Innovations of Plants"1mIncomplete Notes on "Fungi"1m📖 Openstax textbook references for Module 33h

2 practice exercises

What Are Fungi More Closely Related to?5mModule 3 Quiz30m

Week3

Week 3

4 hours to complete

Module 4: Invertebrate Animals

4 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 46 min), 8 readings, 2 quizzes

7 videos

Animals4mThe Cambrian Explosion 💥5mCnidarians4mRotifers6mMolluscs8mArthropods12mThe Permian Extinction4m

8 readings

Incomplete Notes on "Animals"1mIncomplete Notes on "The Cambrian Explosion"1mIncomplete Notes on "Cnidarians"1mIncomplete Notes on "Rotifers"1mIncomplete Notes on "Molluscs"1mIncomplete Notes on "Arthropods"1mIncomplete Notes on "The Permian Extinction"1m📖 Openstax textbook references for Module 42h

2 practice exercises

Contribution of Bees10mModule 4 Quiz30m

Week4

Week 4

3 hours to complete

Module 5: Vertebrate Animals

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 47 min), 9 readings, 4 quizzes

7 videos

Fish6mThe Adaptable Fish Body Plan16mAmphibians4mReptiles6mDinosaurs5mBirds3mThe Cretaceous Extinction3m

9 readings

Incomplete Notes on "Fish"1mIncomplete Notes on "The Adaptable Fish Body Plan"1mEvans Lab (Optional)1mIncomplete Notes on "Amphibians"1mIncomplete Notes on "Reptiles"1mIncomplete Notes on "Dinosaurs"1mIncomplete Notes on "Birds"1mIncomplete Notes on "The Cretaceous Extinction"1m📖 Openstax textbook references for Module 51h

4 practice exercises

Fish Diversity30mPhylogeny15mDid Dinosaurs Go Extinct?5mModule 5 Quiz30m

About the Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization

In this 3-course specialization, you will learn to see nature the way a biologist does. You will gain an understanding and appreciation for the incredible diversity of life and the interdependence of all living things. You will explore what we know about the origins of life and how biologists have advanced the science of evolution since Charles Darwin's lifetime, as well as the many applications of evolutionary biology to our everyday lives; you will examine the characteristics, functions, origins, and the roles of each major group of living things. You will also consider humans, including our origins, how we are impacting the natural world, and our future as a species.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. 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.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Introduction to Biology: Biodiversity

About this Course