Introduction to Genetics and Evolution from Coursera

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).

Genetics I

An introduction to basic transmission genetics and inheritance. This module reflects what is often covered in high school biology courses in the USA.

Genetics II

This module delves somewhat more deeply into genetics and specifically the concept of "recombination." It begins to discuss how recombination is leveraged in classic genetic works as well as mapping simple genetic traits using crosses or data from natural populations.

Genetics III

This module delves even more deeply into the complexities of the genetics underlying traits,the origin of genetic variation, and how "complex" traits (ones controlled by multiple genes) are studied genetically.

Heritability and Population Growth

This module begins the transition to evolutionary genetics by looking at the relative contributions of genetics and environment to traits, and also introduces how population growth is studied.

Population Genetics I

Rather than looking at individuals, this module discusses how multiple individuals from natural populations can be studied genetically to begin to understand the evolutionary forces acting upon the populations.

Population Genetics II

This module extends the previous one to specifically examine the effects of natural selection and genetic drift on genetic variation in natural populations.

Molecular Evolution

This advanced module explains why sexual reproduction (involving recombination) is evolutionarily advantageous, and discusses how the analysis of DNA sequences can be used to understand the evolutionary forces acting on populations or species, either in general or at specific genes.

Adaptive Behaviors and Sexual Selection

This module changes gears a bit to look at the exciting field of animal behavior-- specifically, how particular behaviors are or may be adaptive, and why individuals choose particular others as mates.

Speciation and Phylogenetics

This module gets into the nitty gritty of what causes the formation of new species, and how evolutionary relationships between species are inferred.

Applied Evolution

This final module talks about applications and misapplications of many of the concepts discussed in the course to human health, understanding, and well-being. This module is optional and not included in the assessments.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

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

Reviews summary

Insightful genetics & evolution

learners say this is a fantastic introduction to genetics and evolution, especially if you're interested in pursuing a career in fields such as genomics or bioinformatics. Students particularly appreciate highly engaging lectures by Professor Noor, who has a gift for explaining complex concepts clearly and providing real-life examples. The course also includes challenging quizzes that are designed to ensure understanding and help you retain information. Even if you don't have a science background, many students report finding the course manageable and enjoyable, and highly recommend it for anyone with a passion for genetics and evolution.

The course is accessible to beginners, even those with no science background.

"I really enjoyed the course! It gets into Genetics and Evolution on a deeper level and you should be ready to do some math! :D It was very interesting and I learned a lot."

"Just gone through few lectures..it is interesting..Science is amazing always.Being a science background postgraduate student this topic is totally related to my field and is helping me in understanding genetics.Sir,you are a great teacher."

The course provides real-life examples to illustrate key concepts, making them easier to understand and apply.

"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 course features challenging quizzes that test your understanding and help you retain information.

"Be prepared to work hard. The level of testing is quite intense but the resources are excellent e.g.slides of videos."

"The course is excellent! I learned a lot about genetics and evolution. The tests are a little challenging, but it wouldn't be funny if they weren't."

The course lectures are highly engaging and well-paced, with clear explanations and real-life examples.

"I really enjoyed the content of this course, and the challenge to my mind that it presented."

"This was a stunning course with a wonderful teacher."

"I found this course super interesting and really learned a lot from it!"

The course instructor, Professor Noor, is highly knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the subject matter.

"This is a great course. I really enjoyed all aspects of it, and I learnt a lot. There are a lot of really interesting materials to look at and follow up on."

"Professor Noor is an engaging lecturer and has structured an informative introductory course."

Some learners report that the course content feels outdated and could benefit from being updated to include more recent advances in the field.

"I think there is more to be provided especially at 2020, more actual application than just explanation of major concepts."

The course lacks instructor support, and students may experience long delays in receiving responses to questions.

"That's the terrible part of the course, the course is Dead, no instructor support or rarely you see any, I have asked multiple questions across various weeks and expected atleast an answer after a week, nothing so far."

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.

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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.

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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:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Population Geneticist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Evolutionary Biologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geneticist

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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