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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.

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.

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.

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.

K

5.0Reviewed Mar 4, 2025

Highly recommend this course, really detailed analysis which helped me understand the course well through the guidance of the great Professor Noor. Loved every second of this one.

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.

RG

5.0Reviewed Oct 12, 2022

T​his course help me a lot. I am very much grateful from coursera and specially Duke university for providing me this great opportunity. It's help me a lot for creating my CB. Thanking you Coursera.

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.

YS

5.0Reviewed Aug 17, 2018

Dr. Mohamed Noor I really appreciate your way of teaching, you're the reason why I loved Genetics . Thank you for every thing. I really recommend this course for every one, God bless you, Dr Mohamed

DL

5.0Reviewed Apr 18, 2022

Interesting coverage of genetics and evolution, clear presentation of scientific basis, and examples that helped to clarify understanding. Explanations were clear and understandable.

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.

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.

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