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.
Introduction to Biology: Evolution
Introduction to Biology: Evolution
This course is part of Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization
Instructor: Scott Solomon
3,706 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(53 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
11 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
How biologists advanced the science of evolution since Charles Darwin; the many applications of evolutionary biology to our everyday lives.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
10 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 6 modules in this course
What's included
2 videos3 readings1 discussion prompt
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.
What's included
6 videos8 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn what Darwin proposed about evolution by natural selection, how the other mechanisms of evolution work, and how the Hardy-Weinberg Principle can be used to determine whether a population is evolving.
What's included
6 videos8 readings3 assignments
In this module, we will learn about the process of speciation, how evolutionary relationships can be depicted using phylogenetic trees, and some of the practical applications of phylogenetics.
What's included
4 videos6 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn about the many different types of evidence for evolution– including the fossil record, biogeography, comparative anatomy, and direct observation– and gain an appreciation for the role of evolution in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
What's included
6 videos9 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt
What's included
1 video1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
5.0 (19 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Environmental Science and Sustainability
American Museum of Natural History
Duke University
Universiteit Leiden
University of Colorado Boulder
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 53
4.9
53 reviews
- 5 stars
92.45%
- 4 stars
7.54%
- 3 stars
0%
- 2 stars
0%
- 1 star
0%
AU
5
Reviewed on Aug 2, 2024
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.