Introducción a la genética y la evolución from edX

¿Es el ADN un microchip que nos guía por la vida? ¿Somos los seres humanos parte de la evolución? ¿Por qué no hay dos personas iguales? En este curso encontrarás una aproximación cercana y comprensible a la Genética y la Evolución, para exponer la importancia de conceptos como ADN, gen, cromosoma, mutación, o selección natural, revelando cómo se interrelacionan de forma accesible para cualquier persona interesada. Para ello cuenta con ejemplos y demostraciones que facilitarán tu comprensión de todos los aspectos relevantes, permitiéndote detectar la importancia de estas disciplinas en su propio entorno.

Descubrirás en detalle los mecanismos evolutivos, la especiación y el origen de la vida y de toda la variedad de especies de bacterias, hongos, plantas y animales que existen en la Tierra, el futuro de la diversidad y del planeta, qué tenemos en común todos los seres vivos y qué nos diferencia de los seres inertes.

Asimismo, también encontrarás explicaciones sobre:

Las características del ADN y cómo almacena la información para crear vida.
El origen de los distintos genes y de las distintas variantes de cada gen.
Las consecuencias que tiene en tu existencia el ADN: desde la determinación del grupo sanguíneo hasta el origen de enfermedades.
Cómo afecta la genética a nuestra especie: hasta qué punto es responsable de nuestro comportamiento, o de la expresión de algunas de las enfermedades genéticas, del origen de algunos tipos de cáncer o de las enfermedades víricas.
Otros aspectos sorprendentes de la biología, desde cómo trabajan las hormonas hasta cómo el cerebro se encarga de recordarnos que debemos alimentarnos para sobrevivir.

Es por todo ello que adquirirás una sólida perspectiva sobre el grado de importancia de la genética en tu vida personal, en tu entorno y en nuestra sociedad. Así como alcanza un firme punto de vista sobre el papel de la evolución en el origen, mantenimiento y diversidad de especies.

La formación ofrecida en las disciplinas de la genética y la evolución ofrece aptitudes complementarias para los campos de conocimiento de la biomedicina, la biotecnología o la psicología. Así como una formación global muy adecuada para estudiantes inquietos de cualquier disciplina que quieran consolidar un conocimiento sobre nuestro genoma, nuestra especie, nuestro planeta y los seres que lo habitamos.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Un retrato realista y accesible de los aspectos más relevantes de las disciplinas de la genética y la evolución.
Cuál es la relación existente entre las dos disciplinas.
Satisfacer una creciente curiosidad existente sobre el grado de importancia de la genética y la evolución en la sociedad.

Hasta qué punto la genética y la evolución ofrecen respuestas y soluciones a distintos aspectos sociales: origen de enfermedades, diferencias entre individuos, comportamiento, etc.
Desterrar falsas opiniones y creencias erróneas sobre ambas disciplinas.
La importancia de la genética humana y su impacto en nuestras vidas.

Un retrato realista y accesible de los aspectos más relevantes de las disciplinas de la genética y la evolución.
Cuál es la relación existente entre las dos disciplinas.
Satisfacer una creciente curiosidad existente sobre el grado de importancia de la genética y la evolución en la sociedad.
Hasta qué punto la genética y la evolución ofrecen respuestas y soluciones a distintos aspectos sociales: origen de enfermedades, diferencias entre individuos, comportamiento, etc.
Desterrar falsas opiniones y creencias erróneas sobre ambas disciplinas.
La importancia de la genética humana y su impacto en nuestras vidas.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Se trata de un curso básico para entender la genética y la evolución

Presenta los conceptos básicos de forma accesible para cualquier persona interesada

Utiliza ejemplos y demostraciones para facilitar la comprensión

Abarca una amplia variedad de temas, desde el ADN hasta la evolución

Proporciona una perspectiva sólida sobre la importancia de la genética en la vida personal y social

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 Introducción a la genética y la evolución with these activities:

Review Basic Biology Concepts

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Strengthen your foundational understanding of biology to enhance your comprehension of genetic principles.

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Review notes or textbooks from previous biology courses
Focus on concepts related to cells, DNA, and heredity
Use online resources or videos to reinforce your understanding

Immerse in 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind'

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Expand your understanding of human evolution and the impact of genetics on our species through the insights of Yuval Noah Harari.

View Sapiens: A Graphic History, Volume 3: The... on Amazon

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Read 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind'
Take notes on key concepts related to genetics and evolution
Discuss the book's ideas with classmates or in an online forum

Recap on Mendelian Genetics

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Refresh your memory on the fundamental principles of Mendelian genetics to build a solid foundation for further learning.

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Review the laws of inheritance and Punnett squares
Solve practice problems to test your understanding
Identify online resources or videos for additional clarification

Six other activities

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Explore Online Simulations of Genetic Processes

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Visualize and interact with genetic concepts through simulations, deepening your understanding of complex processes.

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Find reputable websites or software that offer genetic simulations
Select simulations that align with the course material
Run the simulations and observe the outcomes
Reflect on the results and how they relate to the genetic concepts you are learning

Solve Genetic Inheritance Problems

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Strengthen your grasp of genetic principles by solving practice problems involving inheritance patterns.

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Identify online resources or textbooks with genetic inheritance problems
Solve the problems, applying your knowledge of Mendelian genetics
Check your answers against provided solutions or consult with an expert

Design an Infographic on Genetic Disorders

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Enhance your understanding of genetic disorders and their implications by creating a visually engaging infographic.

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Research different types of genetic disorders
Gather data on symptoms, causes, and treatments
Design an infographic that clearly presents the information
Share your infographic with others to raise awareness

Retrace the Genetic History of a Local Species

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Enforce your comprehension of genetic mechanisms by researching and documenting the evolutionary story of a species in your area.

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Select a local species of interest
Gather genetic data from online databases or scientific literature
Analyze the data to identify genetic changes over time
Create a visual representation of the species' genetic history
Present your findings in a written report or oral presentation

Engage in Citizen Science Projects Related to Genetics

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Contribute to scientific research and enhance your understanding of genetics by participating in citizen science projects.

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Identify citizen science projects that involve genetics
Sign up for a project that aligns with your interests
Collect or analyze data according to the project guidelines
Share your findings with the project organizers

Contribute to Open-Source Software for Genetic Analysis

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the field of genetics by working on open-source software projects.

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Identify open-source projects that align with your interests
Join the project community and learn about their goals
Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the project
Receive feedback from the community and improve your contributions

Career center

Learners who complete Introducción a la genética y la evolución will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Genetic Counselor

As someone who wants to be a Genetic Counselor, it may be useful for you to take Introducción a la genética y la evolución. Genetic Counselors provide information and support to individuals and families affected by genetic conditions. They help people understand the genetic basis of their condition, the risks of passing it on to their children, and the options available to them. The coursework on genetics and evolution could be helpful in building a foundation for the skills needed to succeed in this career.

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Geneticist

The coursework in Introducción a la genética y la evolución may be useful in preparing for a role as a Geneticist. Geneticists study genes and heredity in order to understand and treat diseases. They also work on developing new genetic technologies. The course could be a helpful starting point to build a foundation for the skills needed to succeed in this career.

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Forensic Scientist

If you wish to become a Forensic Scientist, you may find that taking Introducción a la genética y la evolución can be helpful. Forensic Scientists collect and analyze evidence to solve crimes. They use DNA analysis to identify suspects and victims, and to reconstruct the events of a crime. The course will provide you with a strong foundation in the basics of genetics, evolution, and DNA analysis, which are essential for success in this career.

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Science Teacher

For those who aspire to be Science Teachers, Introducción a la genética y la evolución may be a useful course to take. Science Teachers develop and deliver lesson plans, and teach students about science. They may also conduct experiments and demonstrations. This course will provide you with a well-rounded foundation in genetics and evolution, which are key topics in science education.

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Biomedical Scientist

Introducción a la genética y la evolución may be useful in preparing for a role as a Biomedical Scientist. Biomedical Scientists conduct research to understand the causes and treatments of diseases. They also develop new diagnostic tests and treatments. The foundational knowledge in genetics and evolution gained from this course could help prepare you for this role.

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Science Writer

Those interested in becoming Science Writers may find that Introducción a la genética y la evolución is a useful course to take. Science Writers communicate complex scientific and technical information to the public. They write articles, books, and other materials that explain scientific discoveries and their implications. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role, as it will give you a strong foundation in genetics and evolution, which are important topics in science writing.

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Biotechnologist

If your plans include a career as a Biotechnologist, you may find Introducción a la genética y la evolución to be helpful. Biotechnologists use biological systems to develop new products and technologies. They work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental science. The course will provide a useful understanding of genetics and evolution, which are foundational concepts in biotechnology.

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Health Educator

If you are looking to become a Health Educator, you may find that taking Introducción a la genética y la evolución can be helpful. Health Educators develop and deliver educational programs that promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community centers. This foundational course in genetics and evolution will familiarize you with key concepts that may arise in your work, and help you to communicate complex scientific and technical information to the public.

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Medical Writer

Introducción a la genética y la evolución may be useful in preparing for a role as a Medical Writer. Medical Writers create educational and marketing materials for the healthcare industry. They write articles, brochures, and other materials that explain medical conditions, treatments, and products. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role, as it will give you a strong foundation in genetics and evolution, which are important topics in medical writing.

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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Introducción a la genética y la evolución may be useful in preparing for a role as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives sell and market pharmaceutical products to doctors and other healthcare professionals. They must have a strong understanding of the products they are selling, including their ingredients, side effects, and benefits. This course will help you understand the basic principles of genetics and evolution, which will be beneficial as you learn about the mechanisms of action of pharmaceutical products.

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Science Policy Analyst

Those interested in becoming Science Policy Analysts may find Introducción a la genética y la evolución to be a useful course to take. Science Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that affect science and technology. They work for government agencies, think tanks, and other organizations. This course will help you understand the basic principles of genetics and evolution, which will be beneficial as you analyze policies that affect these fields.

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Clinical Research Associate

If you are interested in becoming a Clinical Research Associate, you may find the course Introducción a la genética y la evolución to be helpful. Clinical Research Associates manage clinical trials, which are research studies that test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs and treatments. They work with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that clinical trials are conducted according to protocol. This foundational course in genetics and evolution may be beneficial to your career as it will help you understand key concepts in the field.

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Science Journalist

Introducción a la genética y la evolución may be useful in preparing for a role as a Science Journalist. Science Journalists write and report on scientific and technical topics for the general public. They work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course will help you understand the basic principles of genetics and evolution, which will be beneficial as you write and report on these topics.

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Patent Attorney

If you are looking to become a Patent Attorney, you may find that taking Introducción a la genética y la evolución can be helpful. Patent Attorneys help inventors obtain patents for their inventions. They must have a strong understanding of the patent process, as well as the scientific and technical principles underlying the inventions they are patenting. This foundational course may provide you with knowledge that could be helpful as you work with inventions in the fields of genetics and evolution.

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Science Librarian

Introducción a la genética y la evolución may be useful in preparing for a role as a Science Librarian. Science Librarians manage and provide access to scientific and technical information. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutions, and government agencies. This course will help you understand the basic principles of genetics and evolution, which will be beneficial as you work with scientific and technical information in these fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Librarian