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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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Genetics and Evolution

General introduction to this MOOC, including coverage and expectations.

Evidence for Evolution

This module discusses the definition of the word "evolution" in a biological context, evidence for the truth of evolution and common ancestry of species, and public thoughts and misconceptions about biological evolution. This module is optional and will not be included in the course assessments. There are not class discussion forums for this section, as we feel such discussion can happen on other, non-course-related, sites on this topic (of which there are a great many on the internet).

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Introduces basic concepts in genetics and evolution, making it suitable for absolute beginners

Taught by Dr. Mohamed Noor, an experienced instructor in genetics and evolutionary biology

Explores fundamental principles of genetics and evolution that are essential for understanding complex biological processes

Provides a comprehensive overview of genetics and evolution, covering a wide range of topics from basic concepts to advanced applications

Suitable for students interested in pursuing further studies in biology, particularly in evolutionary genetics

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Reviews summary

Solid intro to genetics and evolution

According to students, Introduction to Genetics and Evolution offers a solid foundation in core concepts, particularly the initial modules on basic genetics. Many learners found the instructor's explanations clear and engaging. However, several reviewers highlighted a significant increase in difficulty in later sections, specifically topics like population genetics and molecular evolution, suggesting it might be more challenging than anticipated for true beginners. While the course states no prerequisites, some learners felt a basic background in biology or math is helpful. Overall, it is largely well-received as a college-level introduction.

Basic science background is implicitly helpful.

"While no prior coursework is stated, having some biology helps."

"I found it quite challenging with absolutely no science background."

"A little bit of math knowledge would be beneficial for some concepts."

Provides a strong base in introductory topics.

"The first few modules cover the basics of genetics very well."

"It provided me with a really solid foundation in the core concepts."

"Excellent starting point for understanding fundamental genetics and inheritance."

Instructor praised for clarity and delivery.

"The professor explained complex ideas very clearly."

"Lectures were engaging and easy to follow."

"I really appreciated the instructor's teaching style."

Advanced topics pose a significant challenge.

"The later sections, especially population genetics, were much harder."

"I struggled significantly with the molecular evolution module."

"There was a steep jump in complexity after the initial genetics topics."

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 Genetics and Evolution with these activities:

Reviewing Basic Biology Concepts

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Refresh basic biology knowledge to strengthen comprehension of genetics principles.

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Review key concepts in cell biology, including cell structure, function, and genetics.
Understand the role of DNA and genes in heredity and inheritance patterns.

Reviewing Griffith's Experiments

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Review basic genetics concepts in preparation.

View Essential Genetics: A Genomic Perspective on Amazon

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Summarize the history and significance of Griffith's experiments.
Explain the role of DNA in transformation.
Describe the key findings and conclusions of Griffith's research.

Punnett Square Practice

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Practice Punnett square exercises to strengthen genetics fundamentals.

Browse courses on Genetics

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Solve simple Punnett squares with dominant and recessive alleles.
Analyze scenarios using Punnett squares to predict offspring genotypes and phenotypes.
Validate solutions using principles of probability.

Five other activities

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Creating a Genetic Pedigree

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Construct and interpret pedigrees to visualize and analyze genetic inheritance patterns.

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Gather family medical history and construct a family tree showing relationships.
Use symbols to represent individuals, genetic traits, and inheritance patterns.
Analyze pedigree patterns to identify potential genetic disorders and inheritance modes.

Exploring Mendelian Genetics Simulations

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Engage with interactive simulations to visualize and experiment with Mendelian inheritance principles.

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Identify reputable online platforms offering Mendelian genetics simulations.
Run simulations to observe patterns of dominant and recessive traits.
Analyze results to reinforce understanding of Mendelian laws.

Preparing a Presentation on Evolution and Natural Selection

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Develop a comprehensive presentation to synthesize and communicate key concepts of evolution and natural selection.

Browse courses on Evolution

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Research and gather evidence from scientific literature on evolution and natural selection.
Organize information into a logical flow, including historical background, mechanisms, and supporting examples.
Create visuals, diagrams, and animations to illustrate and engage the audience.
Practice delivering the presentation to enhance clarity and impact.

Contributing to Open-Source Genetics Projects

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Engage in open-source genetics projects to contribute to the field and deepen understanding.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify open-source projects related to genetics, such as bioinformatics tools or databases.
Review project documentation and choose a contribution to make, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements.
Learn the project's codebase and make your contributions following best practices.

Internship at a Genetics Research Lab

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Gain hands-on experience in a genetics research lab to apply knowledge and make meaningful contributions.

Browse courses on Genetics

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Identify and apply for internship opportunities at genetics research institutions or laboratories.
Assist in ongoing research projects, such as data collection, analysis, or experimental procedures.
Attend lab meetings and seminars to stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in genetics.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Genetics and Evolution will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Evolutionary Biologist

Evolutionary Biologists study the process of evolution, working to understand how species have changed over time. This work may involve studying the fossil record, analyzing DNA, and studying the behavior of living species. This course would be especially helpful for Evolutionary Biologists who wish to gain a foundational understanding of the field. The course covers topics such as evidence for evolution, basic transmission genetics, and the genetic variation that underlies traits.

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Population Geneticist

Population Geneticists study the genetic variation within populations. This work may involve studying the evolution of populations, the effects of natural selection, or the genetic basis of complex traits. This course would be especially helpful for Population Geneticists who wish to gain a foundational understanding of the field. The course covers topics such as population genetics, molecular evolution, and the genetic variation that underlies traits.

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Geneticist

Geneticists study the structure and function of genes in living organisms. This work may involve studying the genetics of a particular disease, the development of new genetic technologies, or forensic science. This course may be useful for Geneticists who wish to update their knowledge of evolution and population genetics. The course may be particularly helpful for Geneticists working in the areas of population genetics, evolutionary genetics, or genetic counseling.

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Professor (Biology)

Biology Professors teach and conduct research in biology, often at universities or colleges. They may also work in other settings, such as a research lab or a government agency. This course would be especially helpful for Biology Professors who wish to enhance their understanding of evolution and population genetics, particularly those who teach these subjects.

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Zoologist

Zoologists study the behavior, physiology, and evolution of animals. This work may involve studying animals in the wild, in a laboratory, or in a zoo. Knowledge of evolution is essential for Zoologists, who work to understand how animals have changed over time and how they interact with their environment.

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Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat human diseases and injuries, often working in a hospital or clinic setting. Knowledge of genetics and evolution is important for Physicians, who must understand the genetic basis of many diseases and the role of evolution in the development of drug resistance.

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Paleontologist

Paleontologists study the history of life on Earth. This work may involve excavating and studying fossils or analyzing the geological record. Knowledge of evolution is essential for Paleontologists, who work to understand how life has changed over time.

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Mathematical Biologist

Mathematical Biologists use mathematics to understand the complexity of biological systems. This work may involve developing models to predict the spread of diseases or the outcome of ecological interactions. Knowledge of molecular evolution and population genetics is useful for Mathematical Biologists in many areas, such as population genetics and epidemiology.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians collect and analyze biological data to understand complex health issues. This work often supports research into new medications and treatments. Biostatisticians may also work to improve disease surveillance and outbreak investigations. Knowledge of molecular evolution and population genetics may be useful for understanding the spread of disease and developing more effective treatments.

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Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They may focus on a particular ecosystem, such as a forest or a lake, or they may study the interactions between different species. Knowledge of evolution and population genetics is useful for Ecologists in many areas, such as biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. This work may involve writing for magazines, newspapers, or websites. Knowledge of genetics and evolution is important for Science Writers, who must be able to accurately and clearly explain these complex topics.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists work to understand and predict the spread of disease, often for the purpose of developing strategies to prevent and contain outbreaks. Knowledge of molecular evolution and population genetics may be useful for understanding the spread of disease and developing more effective treatments.

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Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This work may involve studying the role of microorganisms in health and disease, or developing new antibiotics and other treatments for infectious diseases. Knowledge of molecular evolution and population genetics may be useful for understanding the spread of disease and developing more effective treatments.

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Animal Scientist

Animal Scientists work to better understand animals, using this knowledge to enhance the lives of animals and humans. They may study animal biology, behavior, reproduction, and nutrition. They may also work to ensure the safety of our food supply, the quality of textiles, and disinfection of medical instruments. This course may be useful for Animal Scientists looking to update their knowledge of evolution and population genetics. The course may be particularly helpful for Animal Scientists working in the areas of animal breeding and reproduction.

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Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists work to preserve and protect the planet's natural resources. This work spans biology, chemistry, ecology, and the social and political sciences. Conservation Scientists may perform fieldwork to track animal populations or research the effects of human environmental impact. This course may be useful for Conservation Scientists wishing to update their knowledge of evolution and population genetics. Conservation genetics is of increasing importance for research into habitat protection and animal conservation.

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Reading list

We've selected 35 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 Genetics and Evolution.

Evolutionary Biology

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Classic work of evolutionary biology. It provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic basis of evolution.

Introduction to Genetics and Evolution

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Solid intro to genetics and evolution

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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