How are all of the species living on Earth today related? How does understanding evolutionary science contribute to our well-being? In this course, participants will learn about evolutionary relationships, population genetics, and natural and artificial selection. Participants will explore evolutionary science and learn how to integrate it into their classrooms.
Evolution: A Course for Educators
Evolution: A Course for Educators
Instructors: Joel Cracraft, Ph.D.
27,625 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(323 reviews)
9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
1 quiz, 4 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
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
1 video3 readings
The first module of the course introduces Charles Darwin’s revolutionary concept of a “tree of life” depicting the evolution of all life from a common ancestor; how evolutionary trees depict relationships among organisms; and how new species are formed. You will explore resources for discovering and addressing student misconceptions about evolution.
What's included
4 videos3 readings1 quiz1 assignment
You will learn about Darwin’s second breakthrough: that adaptation via natural selection is the basic mechanism of evolution. You’ll go behind the scenes with Dr. Cracraft to see how evolutionary biologists use the Museum’s collections. Lastly, you’ll choose a topic from the course and explain how to use it as empirical evidence that supports common ancestry and biological evolution.
What's included
7 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review
You will learn about the role of extinction in evolution, and find out what the relatedness of major groups of living things reveals about the history of life. You’ll also watch videos of scientists at work and learn how to use them in your classroom.
What's included
4 videos2 readings1 assignment
This module explores the rich variety of hominids on the tree of life, along with how and when different human species - including Homo sapiens - migrated around the world. You’ll also learn strategies for teaching evolution in culturally diverse classrooms.
What's included
4 videos3 readings1 assignment
What's included
1 video3 readings
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.8 (54 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Basic Science
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Yale University
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
4.7
323 reviews
- 5 stars
78.01%
- 4 stars
17.95%
- 3 stars
2.78%
- 2 stars
1.23%
- 1 star
0%
Showing 3 of 323
HH
5
Reviewed on Jul 13, 2017
It is a very interesting course and is presented by great teachers. Would definitely recommend to any one interested in evolution.
KS
5
Reviewed on May 30, 2016
Fantastic course that built on my interest in evolution and phylogenic trees. A great cou
GG
5
Reviewed on Aug 30, 2017
A very interesting and comprehensive course. I would reccomend you write down your answers to the quizzes, because there were some slight glitches. Overall a very good course.
New to Basic Science? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ 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 purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, 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.
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.