We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Melanie Peffer
In this course, we will explore how evolution works to generate new species, the wide variety of life on earth. We will also touch on the importance of biodiversity for the overall health of our planet, and for our well being as humans. Then we will discuss ecology and the interconnectedness of life and touch on one big ecological issue in today’s society, conservation.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/uqovsn/the
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
The "E" Word
In this module, we'll explore evolutionary biology.
The Diversity of Life
Evolution produces the vast biodiversity we see on Earth. In this module, we'll explore what biodiversity is and why we need it on Earth.
Read more
Syllabus
The "E" Word
In this module, we'll explore evolutionary biology.
The Diversity of Life
Evolution produces the vast biodiversity we see on Earth. In this module, we'll explore what biodiversity is and why we need it on Earth.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Covers topics that are standard in most other courses of the same kind
Provides a solid grounding in the field of ecology and evolution
Applicable to a wide range of learners with interest in ecology and evolution
Concepts are applicable to other fields outside ecology and evolution
May require additional resources or background knowledge for learners new to the field
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Engaging introduction to life sciences
According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and highly accessible introduction to the fundamentals of evolution, ecology, and conservation. Students consistently praise the instructor's clear explanations and engaging teaching style, which makes complex scientific topics easy to grasp for beginners. The course's exploration of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of life is highlighted as particularly impactful, inspiring new perspectives on our planet. While its well-structured lectures and effective quizzes provide a solid foundation, some learners with prior science backgrounds found the pace a bit slow and desired more in-depth analysis.
Promotes a deeper understanding of biodiversity and human impact.
"I particularly loved the segment on conservation; it really made me think about my daily impact."
"The course truly changed my perspective on biodiversity and conservation."
"I especially appreciated the emphasis on why these topics matter for our planet and our future."
Provides a solid overview of core evolution and ecology principles.
"A really solid introduction to ecology and evolution. I appreciated the emphasis on interconnectedness."
"The course provided a broad understanding of evolution and ecology, which is exactly what I was looking for."
"Overall, a great foundation for someone wanting to understand the basics of these fields."
Ideal for those new to the subject, offering clear explanations.
"Highly recommend for anyone curious about life sciences, even without a prior background."
"It's perfect for beginners. The quizzes reinforced the learning effectively."
"As someone new to biology, I found 'The Big Stuff' to be incredibly insightful."
The instructor is highly praised for clarity and passion.
"The instructor, Dr. S, makes complex topics like evolution and biodiversity incredibly accessible and engaging."
"Dr. S's passion for the subject is infectious, and the way she explains complex ideas makes them easy to grasp."
"The instructor's expertise shines through, and the visual aids are excellent."
Some suggestions for enhancing engagement and detail.
"I found some of the discussion prompts a bit generic and the forum activity wasn't as lively as I'd hoped."
"I felt that the conservation module, while important, could have gone into more actionable detail."
"I wish there were more updated examples or recent research discussed."
May feel too basic for those with prior science knowledge.
"While the subject matter is crucial, I felt the course lacked depth for someone with a science background. It felt very basic."
"Sometimes the pace felt a little slow if you already have some basic biology knowledge..."
"It felt a bit introductory at times for me, but the content is solid."
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 The Big Stuff: Evolution and Ecology with these
activities:
Read 'Why Evolution Is True' by Jerry Coyne
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the evidence for evolution, which will help you better understand the concepts covered in the course.
View
Faith Versus Fact
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the introduction and first chapter to get an overview of the book's main arguments.
-
Read the remaining chapters, focusing on the evidence for evolution from different fields such as genetics, paleontology, and comparative anatomy.
-
Take notes on the key points and arguments, and write a summary of the book at the end.
Attend a workshop on evolution or related topics
Show steps
Attending a workshop will provide you with an opportunity to learn from experts in the field and engage with other learners who are interested in evolution.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Search online for workshops on evolution or related topics.
-
Register for a workshop that fits your interests and schedule.
-
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the discussions and activities.
-
Take notes and ask questions to enhance your learning.
Create a compilation of resources on evolution
Show steps
Creating a compilation of resources will help you organize your knowledge of evolution and provide you with a valuable reference tool.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Search online for resources on evolution, including articles, videos, and websites.
-
Review the resources and select the ones that you find most useful and informative.
-
Organize the resources into a logical structure, such as by topic or type.
-
Create a document or website to share your compilation with others.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Lab experiments in ecology
Show steps
Interactively explore the concepts of biodiversity and ecology through hands-on lab tests.
Show steps
-
Plan and design the experiment
-
Gather the necessary materials
-
Conduct the experiment according to the established plan
-
Record and analyze the results
-
Draw conclusions from the experiment
Solve evolution practice problems
Show steps
Solving practice problems will help you apply your knowledge of evolution and improve your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
-
Solve the problems, checking your answers against the provided solutions.
-
Review your mistakes and identify areas where you need to improve your understanding.
Write a blog post about a recent advancement in evolution research
Show steps
Writing a blog post will help you synthesize your knowledge of evolution and improve your writing skills.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Research recent advancements in evolution research and choose a topic that you are interested in.
-
Write a blog post outline and gather relevant information.
-
Write a draft of your blog post, ensuring that it is clear, concise, and engaging.
-
Edit and proofread your blog post before publishing it.
Volunteer at a local conservation organization
Show steps
Volunteering will provide you with hands-on experience in conservation and help you understand the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Browse courses on
Ecology
Show steps
-
Search online for conservation organizations in your area.
-
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Attend volunteer training and orientation.
-
Participate in volunteer activities, such as habitat restoration, species monitoring, and education.
Create a presentation on a specific evolutionary topic
Show steps
Creating a presentation will help you synthesize your knowledge of a specific evolutionary topic and improve your communication skills.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Choose a specific evolutionary topic that you are interested in.
-
Research the topic and gather relevant information.
-
Create a presentation outline and write a script.
-
Design and create your presentation slides.
-
Practice your presentation and deliver it to a group of peers or family members.
Contribute to an open-source project related to evolution
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source project will give you practical experience in evolution-related research and development and improve your programming skills.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
-
Search online for open-source projects related to evolution.
-
Choose a project that matches your interests and skills.
-
Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
-
Follow the project's contribution guidelines and submit your code.
Read 'Why Evolution Is True' by Jerry Coyne
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the evidence for evolution, which will help you better understand the concepts covered in the course.
View
Faith Versus Fact
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introduction and first chapter to get an overview of the book's main arguments.
- Read the remaining chapters, focusing on the evidence for evolution from different fields such as genetics, paleontology, and comparative anatomy.
- Take notes on the key points and arguments, and write a summary of the book at the end.
Attend a workshop on evolution or related topics
Show steps
Attending a workshop will provide you with an opportunity to learn from experts in the field and engage with other learners who are interested in evolution.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search online for workshops on evolution or related topics.
- Register for a workshop that fits your interests and schedule.
- Attend the workshop and actively participate in the discussions and activities.
- Take notes and ask questions to enhance your learning.
Create a compilation of resources on evolution
Show steps
Creating a compilation of resources will help you organize your knowledge of evolution and provide you with a valuable reference tool.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search online for resources on evolution, including articles, videos, and websites.
- Review the resources and select the ones that you find most useful and informative.
- Organize the resources into a logical structure, such as by topic or type.
- Create a document or website to share your compilation with others.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Lab experiments in ecology
Show steps
Interactively explore the concepts of biodiversity and ecology through hands-on lab tests.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Plan and design the experiment
- Gather the necessary materials
- Conduct the experiment according to the established plan
- Record and analyze the results
- Draw conclusions from the experiment
Solve evolution practice problems
Show steps
Solving practice problems will help you apply your knowledge of evolution and improve your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
- Solve the problems, checking your answers against the provided solutions.
- Review your mistakes and identify areas where you need to improve your understanding.
Write a blog post about a recent advancement in evolution research
Show steps
Writing a blog post will help you synthesize your knowledge of evolution and improve your writing skills.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research recent advancements in evolution research and choose a topic that you are interested in.
- Write a blog post outline and gather relevant information.
- Write a draft of your blog post, ensuring that it is clear, concise, and engaging.
- Edit and proofread your blog post before publishing it.
Volunteer at a local conservation organization
Show steps
Volunteering will provide you with hands-on experience in conservation and help you understand the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Browse courses on
Ecology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search online for conservation organizations in your area.
- Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend volunteer training and orientation.
- Participate in volunteer activities, such as habitat restoration, species monitoring, and education.
Create a presentation on a specific evolutionary topic
Show steps
Creating a presentation will help you synthesize your knowledge of a specific evolutionary topic and improve your communication skills.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific evolutionary topic that you are interested in.
- Research the topic and gather relevant information.
- Create a presentation outline and write a script.
- Design and create your presentation slides.
- Practice your presentation and deliver it to a group of peers or family members.
Contribute to an open-source project related to evolution
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source project will give you practical experience in evolution-related research and development and improve your programming skills.
Browse courses on
Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search online for open-source projects related to evolution.
- Choose a project that matches your interests and skills.
- Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
- Follow the project's contribution guidelines and submit your code.
Career center
Learners who complete The Big Stuff: Evolution and Ecology will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Natural Resources Manager
Natural Resources Manager
Natural Resources Managers with a background in ecology and evolution are immensely capable in this position. This course can help build a basis in the science of conservation as well as provide a strong understanding of scientific method and ecological principles, all essential to a Natural Resources Manager's work.
Conservation Biologist
Conservation Biologist
This course covers the principles of ecology and conservation that Conservation Biologists make use of every day. It can provide a strong basis in the scientific method as well as ecological principles that are needed in this role.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists with an understanding of ecology and evolution are more competitive in this role. This course provides a firm understanding of scientific method, evolutionary biology, and ecology.
Ecology Professor
Ecology Professor
This course directly aligns with the work of an Ecology Professor, providing a solid foundation in the principles of ecology and evolution. In this role it is necessary to have a deep understanding of ecological processes, and also to be able to convey this information to students.
Evolutionary Biologist
Evolutionary Biologist
Evolutionary Biologists can benefit from this course. It provides a strong framework in evolutionary biology, which is an essential part of the role. As evolution is one of the main mechanisms that creates the biodiversity we see on earth.
Ecologist
Ecologist
For Ecologists, this course may be quite useful. It provides a background in ecology and the interconnectedness of life. This knowledge is essential to an Ecologist's work.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologist
This course may be helpful to Wildlife Biologists. It can provide a background in ecology and the interconnectedness of life. This knowledge is pretty essential to a Wildlife Biologist's work.
Science Teacher
Science Teacher
Science Teachers with a background in evolution and the principles of ecology can better teach this to students. This course provides an overview of some of the main principles of evolution and ecology, which may be useful for a Science Teacher.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
This course can be helpful to a Sustainability Consultant, particularly the module on conservation. The course provides a general understanding of the principles of ecology, which can be helpful in this type of role.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analyst
This course may be useful for an Environmental Policy Analyst. The course provides an understanding of the scientific method, ecology, and the principles of evolution. These are all relevant to the work of an Environmental Policy Analyst.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
For an Environmental Engineer, this course may be helpful. The course can provide a general overview of the principles of ecology and the conservation of natural resources, which can be useful in this role.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyer
An Environmental Lawyer may find this course useful. The course can provide a general overview of the principles of ecology and the conservation of natural resources, which can be useful in this role.
Health Educator
Health Educator
This course can be helpful to someone working as a Health Educator. The course provides an overview of the principles of evolution and ecology as well as conservation. This information can be useful when creating and implementing health education programs.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects may find this information helpful. The course provides an overview of the interconnectedness of life and conservation principles. Landscape Architects can use this information to design sustainable landscapes.
Physician
Physician
A Physician may find this course helpful. The course can provide a broad overview of the principles of evolution and ecology, as well as conservation. This information may be relevant to the physician's work.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/uqovsn/the
Reading list
We've selected 14 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
The Big Stuff: Evolution and Ecology.
Save
Is considered the standard textbook for evolutionary biology. It comprehensive and well-written resource that covers all the major topics in the field.
Classic work on the diversity of life on Earth. It beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will inspire you to learn more about the natural world.
Save
Comprehensive and up-to-date textbook on ecology. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Classic work on conservation biology. It comprehensive and well-written book that covers all the major topics in the field.
Pulitzer Prize-winning book that tells the story of the sixth mass extinction. It beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about the natural world.
Classic work of environmentalism. It was written by Rachel Carson in 1962 and helped to launch the environmental movement.
Save
Classic work of environmentalism. It was written by Bill McKibben in 1989 and helped to raise awareness of the dangers of climate change.
Save
Pulitzer Prize-winning book that tells the story of the collapse of past civilizations. It thought-provoking book that will help you to understand the challenges facing our own civilization.
Save
Thought-provoking book that explores the future of life on Earth. It must-read for anyone who is interested in the future of our planet.
Save
Classic work of evolutionary biology. It beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about the natural world.
Clear and concise explanation of the theory of evolution. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of evolution.
Save
Pulitzer Prize-winning book that tells the story of the discovery of the tree of life. It beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about the natural world.
Beautifully written and thought-provoking book that tells the story of the evolution of life on Earth. It must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of life.
Thought-provoking book that explores the history of humankind. It must-read for anyone who is interested in the future of our species.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/uqovsn/the
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.6
Effort
10 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Melanie Peffer
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Biology Everywhere. It's comprised of four courses:
- The Big Stuff: Evolution and Ecology (viewing)
- The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics
- Biology Everywhere Foundations
- Specialty Topics: Biology Across Disciplines
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser