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.
Introduction to Biology: Evolution
Introduction to Biology: Evolution
This course is part of Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization
Instructor: Scott Solomon
4,479 already enrolled
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(58 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
11 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
How biologists advanced the science of evolution since Charles Darwin; the many applications of evolutionary biology to our everyday lives.
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Assessments
10 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 6 modules in this course
What's included
2 videos3 readings1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn how ideas about evolution changed from ancient Greece to Victorian England, when two naturalists independently developed a theory of evolution by natural selection.
What's included
6 videos8 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn what Darwin proposed about evolution by natural selection, how the other mechanisms of evolution work, and how the Hardy-Weinberg Principle can be used to determine whether a population is evolving.
What's included
6 videos8 readings3 assignments
In this module, we will learn about the process of speciation, how evolutionary relationships can be depicted using phylogenetic trees, and some of the practical applications of phylogenetics.
What's included
4 videos6 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn about the many different types of evidence for evolution– including the fossil record, biogeography, comparative anatomy, and direct observation– and gain an appreciation for the role of evolution in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
What's included
6 videos9 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt
What's included
1 video1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
5.0 (22 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Environmental Science and Sustainability
Duke University
American Museum of Natural History
Universiteit Leiden
University of Colorado Boulder
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4.9
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JB
5
Reviewed on Mar 22, 2025
Great overview and introduction to the topic of evolution
AU
5
Reviewed on Aug 2, 2024
Though introductory the presentation and discussion style is highly useful and intuitive that helps one to get a bigger picture.
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