Introduction to Biology: Evolution

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Introduction to Biology: Evolution

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

Instructor: Scott Solomon

6,690 already enrolled

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6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

86 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

1 week at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

86 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

1 week at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

How biologists advanced the science of evolution since Charles Darwin; the many applications of evolutionary biology to our everyday lives.

Skills you'll gain

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Assessments

10 assignments¹

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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

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.

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

6 videos Total 40 minutes

Why Evolution Matters? 6 minutes
Early Ideas of Evolution 11 minutes
Charles Darwin (Part I) 8 minutes
Charles Darwin (Part II) 6 minutes
Alfred Russel Wallace 5 minutes
On the Origin of Species 3 minutes

8 readings Total 31 minutes

Incomplete Notes on "Why Evolution Matters?" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Early Ideas of Evolution" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Charles Darwin I" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Charles Darwin II" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Alfred Russel Wallace" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "On the Origin of Species" 1 minute
📖 Openstax textbook references for Module 1 15 minutes
Supplementary Reading 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 40 minutes

Uniformitarianism 10 minutes
Module 1 Quiz 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Everyday Evolution 10 minutes

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

6 videos Total 40 minutes

What Did Darwin Propose? 7 minutes
What was Missing from Darwin's Theory? 9 minutes
Why Darwin was Disgusted by Peacocks 5 minutes
Mechanisms of Evolution 8 minutes
Classic Experiment: Lederberg's Experiment 5 minutes
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium 7 minutes

8 readings Total 46 minutes

Incomplete Notes on "What Did Darwin Propose?" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "What Was Missing from Darwin's Theory?" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Why Darwin Was Disgusted by Peacocks" 1 minute
Problems with the Theory of Sexual Selection 10 minutes
Incomplete Notes on "Mechanisms of Evolution" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Lederberg's Experiment" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium" 1 minute
📖 Openstax textbook references for Module 2 30 minutes

3 assignments Total 46 minutes

Is it Evolution? 15 minutes
Extending Lederberg's Experiment 1 minute
Module 2 Quiz 30 minutes

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

4 videos Total 26 minutes

Speciation Part I 12 minutes
Speciation - Part II 4 minutes
Phylogenetics 4 minutes
Applying Phylogenetics 6 minutes

6 readings Total 69 minutes

Incomplete Notes on "Speciation I" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Speciation II" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Phylogenetics" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Applying Phylogenetics" 1 minute
📖 Openstax textbook references for Module 3 55 minutes
The Web of Life 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Interpreting Phylogeny 30 minutes
Module 3 Quiz 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 15 minutes

Synthesizing Species 15 minutes

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

6 videos Total 57 minutes

Transitional Forms 7 minutes
Evidence for Evolution: Biogeography 8 minutes
Comparative Anatomy 6 minutes
Galapagos Finches 6 minutes
Lenski's Experiment 7 minutes
Interview with Dr. Shamoo 23 minutes

9 readings Total 56 minutes

Incomplete Notes on "Transitional Forms" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Biogeography" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Comparative Anatomy" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Galapagos Finches" 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Lenski's Experiment 1 minute
Incomplete Notes on "Interview with Dr. Shamoo" 10 minutes
Dr. Shamoo's bio (optional) 1 minute
📖 Openstax textbook references for Module 4 10 minutes
What's a "Missing Link"? 30 minutes

3 assignments Total 53 minutes

Predicting Tiktaalik 8 minutes
Comparative Anatomy of Humans 15 minutes
Module 4 Quiz 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 20 minutes

Universality of Evolution 20 minutes

What's included

1 video1 peer review

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(28 ratings)

Scott Solomon

Rice University

3 Courses 18,850 learners

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Rice University

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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.

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2025

Great overview and introduction to the topic of evolution

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