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

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Scott Solomon

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

About this Course

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Evolution is one of the most interesting fields within biology, and one that’s central to a complete understanding of modern biology. We begin by tracing how Charles Darwin developed a theory of evolution by natural selection and the many ways that biologists have advanced the science of evolution since his lifetime. We then go on to learn about the many applications of evolutionary biology to our everyday lives.

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Course 2 of 3 in the

Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization

Beginner Level

None.

Approx. 11 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.

Course 2 of 3 in the

Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization

Beginner Level

None.

Approx. 11 hours to complete

English

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

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

5/5 (5 Ratings)

Scott Solomon

Associate Teaching Professor

Department of BioSciences

2,394 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 Evolution

1 hour to complete

2 videos (Total 5 min), 3 readings

2 hours to complete

Module 1: On the Origins of Evolution

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 40 min), 8 readings, 2 quizzes

6 videos

Why Evolution Matters?5mEarly Ideas of Evolution11mCharles Darwin (Part I)8mCharles Darwin (Part II)6mAlfred Russel Wallace4mOn the Origin of Species3m

8 readings

Incomplete Notes on "Why Evolution Matters?"1mIncomplete Notes on "Early Ideas of Evolution"1mIncomplete Notes on "Charles Darwin I"1mIncomplete Notes on "Charles Darwin II"1mIncomplete Notes on "Alfred Russel Wallace"1mIncomplete Notes on "On the Origin of Species"1m📖 Openstax textbook references for Module 115mSupplementary Reading10m

2 practice exercises

Uniformitarianism10mModule 1 Quiz30m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Module 2: How Evolution Works

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 40 min), 8 readings, 3 quizzes

6 videos

What Did Darwin Propose?6mWhat was Missing from Darwin's Theory?8mWhy Darwin was Disgusted by Peacocks4mMechanisms of Evolution7mClassic Experiment: Lederberg's Experiment4mHardy-Weinberg Equilibrium7m

8 readings

Incomplete Notes on "What Did Darwin Propose?"1mIncomplete Notes on "What Was Missing from Darwin's Theory?"1mIncomplete Notes on "Why Darwin Was Disgusted by Peacocks"1mProblems with the Theory of Sexual Selection10mIncomplete Notes on "Mechanisms of Evolution"1mIncomplete Notes on "Lederberg's Experiment"1mIncomplete Notes on "Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium"1m📖 Openstax textbook references for Module 230m

3 practice exercises

Is it Evolution?15mExtending Lederberg's Experiment1mModule 2 Quiz30m

Week3

Week 3

3 hours to complete

Module 3: Macroevolution

3 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 26 min), 6 readings, 2 quizzes

Week4

Week 4

3 hours to complete

Module 4: Evidence for Evolution

3 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 57 min), 9 readings, 3 quizzes

6 videos

Transitional Forms6mEvidence for Evolution: Biogeography7mComparative Anatomy6mGalapagos Finches5mLenski's Experiment7mInterview with Dr. Shamoo22m

9 readings

Incomplete Notes on "Transitional Forms"1mIncomplete Notes on "Biogeography"1mIncomplete Notes on "Comparative Anatomy"1mIncomplete Notes on "Galapagos Finches"1mIncomplete Notes on "Lenski's Experiment1mIncomplete Notes on "Interview with Dr. Shamoo"10mDr. Shamoo's bio (optional)1m📖 Openstax textbook references for Module 410mWhat's a "Missing Link"?30m

3 practice exercises

Predicting Tiktaalik8mComparative Anatomy of Humans15mModule 4 Quiz30m

1 hour to complete

Course Final Assessment & Conclusion

1 hour to complete

1 video (Total 1 min)

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: Evolution

About this Course