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Duke University

Introduction to Genetics and Evolution

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.

Status: Biostatistics
Status: Environmental Science
Course26 hours

Featured reviews

MH

5.0Reviewed Sep 20, 2020

A wide-ranging introduction that will make you want to read and learn more. The assessments are doable but challenging. The instructor is a widely-published expert in the field and a delight.

IW

5.0Reviewed Jan 7, 2016

Excellent course. Would recommend it to anyone who wants to delve in the subject matter. Wonderful instructor and interesting lecture videos. One of the best courses I have taken in Coursera.

TN

5.0Reviewed Sep 27, 2017

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.

EH

5.0Reviewed Feb 23, 2016

If you are taking this course for a GT project, I recommend that you stop now. If you are taking this course for your own benefit (implying that they are not mutual), I rate it 5 stars.

VL

5.0Reviewed Jan 16, 2017

I really enjoyed the classes and the supplemental materials available. I loved how the lessons were taught and explained by Dr. Mohamed Noor and I really enjoyed the content of the classes.

MB

5.0Reviewed Mar 28, 2019

Very thorough introduction to the subject. As someone who comes from a math background, the biological terms and theory were explained very well. Dr. Noor was an excellent teacher.

MB

5.0Reviewed Jan 14, 2021

I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Prof Noor Mohamed is certainly an excellent teacher. I would like the Professor and the staff for the most enjoyable learning experience I have had.

LK

5.0Reviewed Jan 20, 2022

T​he course is very good and I learnt a lot from this course. I was able to get the basic understanding of genetics and evolution. The instructor is also magnificent he makes everything simpler.

T

5.0Reviewed May 17, 2020

A good course loaded with information.Not for anyone who feels this will be relatively easy or will not be lengthy.Prof Noor Mohamed was awesome and made the journey enjoyable.

TR

5.0Reviewed May 8, 2020

I loved it. It explained complex concepts in a way that was easily understandable. I also liked that it showed lots of real life examples of the concepts. The instructor was amazing.

CK

5.0Reviewed May 21, 2020

Very useful course. The way of teaching by the professor is truly recommendable. He made things easy to understand and helped to maintain interest in the course. Thank you Sir.

FF

5.0Reviewed Jun 28, 2021

First-class introduction to genetics and evolution. Dr. Noor's lectures were very clear and well organized. I especially liked that Dr. Noor was available for questions through the "Forum."

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