Introduction to Biology: Evolution

Overview

Class Central Tips

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.

Syllabus

Welcome to Evolution
Module 1: On the Origins of Evolution

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.

Module 2: How Evolution Works

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.

Module 3: Macroevolution

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.

Module 4: Evidence for Evolution

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.