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Scott Solomon
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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What's inside
Syllabus
Welcome to Evolution
Module 1: On the Origins of Evolution
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.
Read more
Syllabus
Welcome to Evolution
Module 1: On the Origins of Evolution
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines evolution from its historical roots to modern-day applications
Helps learners understand core concepts in evolutionary biology
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of evolution
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Reviews summary
Clear introductory dive into evolution
According to students, this course offers a largely positive experience, particularly for those new to the subject. Learners praise its clear and well-structured lectures, which make complex topics digestible. The curriculum provides a solid introduction to core concepts like natural selection, speciation, and phylogenetic trees, with an emphasis on real-world relevance such as antibiotic resistance. While many find the pacing just right and the quizzes fair, a minority of learners with prior science background found the course's depth to be superficial and wished for more advanced or interactive elements. It's often highlighted as an accessible starting point for curious minds and lifelong learners.
The instructor's clear explanations and enthusiasm enhance the learning experience.
"The instructor does a great job explaining concepts, and I appreciated the historical context in Module 1."
"Exceeded my expectations! The instructor's passion for the subject shines through in every lecture."
Provides a comprehensive introduction to key evolutionary concepts.
"A solid introduction to evolution. The instructor does a great job explaining concepts, and I appreciated the historical context in Module 1."
"The way they broke down natural selection and speciation was brilliant."
"Good course, covered the basics comprehensively. The explanation of macroevolution and speciation was quite good."
"I found the modules on natural selection and the Hardy-Weinberg Principle particularly well done. It gave me a strong conceptual framework."
Excels at making complex biological concepts easy to understand for newcomers.
"This course offers a fantastic overview of evolutionary biology. The lectures are clear and well-structured, making complex topics digestible."
"Absolutely loved this course! As someone with a basic science background but no formal biology, this was incredibly accessible."
"Exceeded my expectations! This course is accessible to everyone, and the course structure is logical and easy to follow."
Some learners desired more interactive elements or deeper readings.
"The lectures were a bit dry at times, and I wished there were more interactive elements or hands-on activities."
"My only minor gripe is that sometimes the readings felt a bit light; I often found myself seeking external resources for deeper dives."
"The presentation style of the lectures could be improved. Sometimes it felt like reading a textbook rather than engaging with a dynamic lesson."
Introductory nature means it may feel too basic for those with prior knowledge.
"For someone with a science degree, it felt like a lot of review... probably best for complete beginners, but not for those looking to expand on existing knowledge."
"Disappointing. The course seemed to lack depth. While it's an 'introduction,' I expected a bit more challenge."
"I found this course incredibly basic and not worth my time. As a medical professional, I was hoping for something that could offer a fresh perspective."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Biology: Evolution with these
activities:
Revisit the course syllabus
Show steps
Refreshes students' understanding of the course content and expectations, which can help them to focus their studies and maximize their learning.
Show steps
-
Read or skim the course syllabus.
-
Identify the key topics and concepts that will be covered in the course.
-
Make a note of any assignments, projects, or exams that are due.
Review high school biology
Show steps
Refreshes biology basics, which are necessary to better understand evolution.
Browse courses on
Biology
Show steps
-
Read a high school biology textbook.
-
Watch videos on high school biology topics.
-
Take practice quizzes on high school biology.
Watch video tutorials on evolution
Show steps
Provides additional explanations and examples of evolutionary concepts, which can help to clarify and reinforce the course material.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Find video tutorials on evolution.
-
Watch the tutorials.
-
Take notes on the main points.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Join a study group
Show steps
Provides opportunities to discuss the course material with peers, which can help to clarify concepts and improve understanding.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Find a study group.
-
Meet with the group regularly.
-
Discuss the course material.
Solve evolution problems
Show steps
Develops problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of evolution.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Find practice problems online or in a textbook.
-
Solve the problems.
-
Check your answers.
Contribute to a Wikipedia article on evolution
Show steps
Develops research skills, writing skills, and a deeper understanding of evolution by contributing to a collaborative project.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Find a Wikipedia article on evolution.
-
Edit the article.
-
Submit your changes.
Read 'The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution'
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence for evolution, which can help to strengthen students' understanding of the course material.
View
Science in the Soul
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book.
-
Take notes on the main points.
-
Discuss the book with a classmate or friend.
Write a blog post on a specific evolutionary topic
Show steps
Develops writing skills, research skills, and a deeper understanding of a specific evolutionary topic.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Write a blog post.
-
Edit and proofread the blog post.
-
Choose a topic.
-
Research the topic.
-
Publish the blog post.
Create a presentation on a specific evolutionary topic
Show steps
Develops presentation skills, research skills, and a deeper understanding of a specific evolutionary topic.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Choose a topic.
-
Research the topic.
-
Create a presentation.
-
Practice the presentation.
-
Present the presentation.
Revisit the course syllabus
Show steps
Refreshes students' understanding of the course content and expectations, which can help them to focus their studies and maximize their learning.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read or skim the course syllabus.
- Identify the key topics and concepts that will be covered in the course.
- Make a note of any assignments, projects, or exams that are due.
Review high school biology
Show steps
Refreshes biology basics, which are necessary to better understand evolution.
Browse courses on
Biology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a high school biology textbook.
- Watch videos on high school biology topics.
- Take practice quizzes on high school biology.
Watch video tutorials on evolution
Show steps
Provides additional explanations and examples of evolutionary concepts, which can help to clarify and reinforce the course material.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find video tutorials on evolution.
- Watch the tutorials.
- Take notes on the main points.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Join a study group
Show steps
Provides opportunities to discuss the course material with peers, which can help to clarify concepts and improve understanding.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group.
- Meet with the group regularly.
- Discuss the course material.
Solve evolution problems
Show steps
Develops problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of evolution.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems online or in a textbook.
- Solve the problems.
- Check your answers.
Contribute to a Wikipedia article on evolution
Show steps
Develops research skills, writing skills, and a deeper understanding of evolution by contributing to a collaborative project.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a Wikipedia article on evolution.
- Edit the article.
- Submit your changes.
Read 'The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution'
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence for evolution, which can help to strengthen students' understanding of the course material.
View
Science in the Soul
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book.
- Take notes on the main points.
- Discuss the book with a classmate or friend.
Write a blog post on a specific evolutionary topic
Show steps
Develops writing skills, research skills, and a deeper understanding of a specific evolutionary topic.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Write a blog post.
- Edit and proofread the blog post.
- Choose a topic.
- Research the topic.
- Publish the blog post.
Create a presentation on a specific evolutionary topic
Show steps
Develops presentation skills, research skills, and a deeper understanding of a specific evolutionary topic.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic.
- Research the topic.
- Create a presentation.
- Practice the presentation.
- Present the presentation.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Biology: Evolution will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Taxonomist
Taxonomist
Taxonomists classify and name organisms. As a Taxonomist, you will research the diversity of life on Earth. The Evolution course would be useful, because it provides a foundation in the principles and mechanisms of evolution.
Paleontologist
Paleontologist
Paleontologists study the fossilized remains of ancient organisms. As a Paleontologist, you will research the evolution of life on Earth. The Evolution course would be useful, because it provides a foundation in the principles and mechanisms of evolution.
Entomologist
Entomologist
Entomologists study insects and their relationship to their environment. As an Entomologist, you will research insect biology, ecology, and evolution. The Evolution course would be useful, because it covers the study of how insects have evolved over time.
Zoologist
Zoologist
Zoologists study animals and their behavior. As a Zoologist, you will research animal biology, ecology, and evolution. The Evolution course would be useful, because it covers the study of how animals have evolved over time.
Botanist
Botanist
Botanists study plants and their relationship to their environment. As a Botanist, you will research plant biology, ecology, and evolution. The Evolution course would be useful, because it covers the study of how plants have evolved over time.
Horticulturist
Horticulturist
Horticulturists work in the science, technology, and business of plant cultivation. As a Horticulturist, you will research plant propagation, plant breeding, and plant genetics. The Evolution course would be useful, because it covers the study of how plants have evolved over time.
Marine Biologist
Marine Biologist
Marine Biologists study the biology of marine organisms and their environment. As a Marine Biologist, you will research marine ecology, oceanography, and marine conservation. The Evolution course would be useful, because it covers the study of how marine organisms have evolved over time.
Microbiologist
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. As a Microbiologist, you will research microbial biology, microbial ecology, and microbial genetics. The Evolution course would be useful, because it covers the study of how microorganisms have evolved over time.
Animal Ecologist
Animal Ecologist
Animal Ecologists research the relationship between animals and their environment. As an Animal Ecologist, you will study the habits, adaptations, and interactions of animals in different ecosystems. The Evolution course would be useful, because it covers the study of how animals have adapted to their environment over time.
Aquaculturalist
Aquaculturalist
Aquaculturalists work in fisheries or hatcheries to raise fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms for the human food supply. The Evolution course would be useful, because it covers the study of how fish and shellfish have evolved over time, giving you a better understanding of their biological needs.
Biologist
Biologist
Biologists study living things and their vital processes through observation, experimentation, and analysis. The Evolution course would be useful, because it provides a foundation in how species have evolved over time.
Geneticist
Geneticist
Geneticists study genes and heredity. As a Geneticist, you will research the structure, function, and inheritance of genes. The Evolution course would be useful, because it covers the principles and mechanisms of genetics.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers write about scientific topics for a general audience. As a Science Writer, you will write articles, books, and scripts about the latest scientific discoveries. The Evolution course would be useful, because it provides a foundation in the principles and mechanisms of evolution.
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in animals. As a Veterinarian, you will need to understand the evolution of diseases in order to develop effective treatment plans. The Evolution course may be useful, because it provides an understanding of how diseases have evolved over time.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the causes of disease in humans and animals. As an Epidemiologist, you will investigate disease outbreaks and develop strategies to prevent and control them. The Evolution course may be useful, because it provides an understanding of how diseases have evolved over time.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/dnsric/introduction
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Biology: Evolution.
Save
Presents a strong case for the theory of evolution by natural selection. It well-written and persuasive book that is essential reading for anyone interested in the topic of evolution.
Save
Provides a clear and concise overview of the theory of evolution by natural selection. It well-written and accessible book that is essential reading for anyone interested in the topic of evolution.
Provides a detailed overview of the fossil record and its implications for our understanding of evolution. It well-written and informative book that is essential reading for anyone interested in the topic of evolution.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of human evolution, from our earliest ancestors to the present day. It well-written and engaging book that is accessible to a wide range of readers.
Explores the role of DNA in evolution. It well-written and informative book that provides a unique perspective on the topic of evolution.
Save
Explores the evolutionary history of the human body, from our fish-like ancestors to the present day. It fascinating and informative book that provides a unique perspective on human evolution.
Explores the history of mass extinctions and their implications for the future of life on Earth. It well-written and thought-provoking book that is essential reading for anyone interested in the topic of evolution.
Provides a comprehensive overview of human evolution, from our earliest ancestors to the present day. It well-written and engaging book that is accessible to a wide range of readers.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/dnsric/introduction
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
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Institution
Rice University
Instructor
Scott Solomon
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity. It's comprised of three courses:
- Introduction to Biology: Ecology
- Introduction to Biology: Evolution (viewing)
- Introduction to Biology: Biodiversity
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