An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology

Overview

All life on Earth, from jellyfish to zebra, cactus to butterfly, evolved from the last universal common ancestor (LUCA), which lived around 4 billion years ago. The astonishing diversity of life found in every corner of our planet is all possible thanks to the evolution of species. At a molecular level, changes in DNA lead to new genes, which, on a larger scale, lead to new traits or abilities, which in turn, can result in entirely new species. This course introduces evolutionary biology, starting with early life and cells, then covering the basics of what genes are, genetic inheritance, speciation, and evolution in action.

Programme

• Unit 1 - The diversity of life – We will start by defining living things, explore the diversity of life and look at what we know about the origin of life on Earth.
• Unit 2 - Cells –We will move on to cell types and how they are the basis of all life, from the small and simple single-celled organisms to the large and complex multicellular life.
• Unit 3 - Molecules & Membranes – Next, we will look closer at the different types of cells, how they are built, their component parts (organelles) and how they function.
• Unit 4 - The language of DNA – Then we will move on to DNA and genes. We will look at how genes are translated into proteins, which in turn lead to different functions and traits.
  Genetic inheritance – We will explore how genetic inheritance is responsible for the characteristics of all living things and look at alleles and genetic crosses.
• Unit 5 - Evolution – Next, we will look at how the environment shapes adaption by bringing together what we have learnt about genetic inheritance with Darwin’s theory of Evolution.
• Unit 6 - Species & speciation – We will then explore the results of evolution - individual species and speciation.
• Unit 7 - Sex – Next, we will move on to sexual reproduction, comparing different reproductive strategies, including how recombination increases genetic diversity.
• Unit 8 - Death & Extinction – Finally, we will look at senescence, death, and the ultimate fate of the majority of species that have ever lived - extinction.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the basics of what genes are and be able to describe some simple biological processes at a cellular level.
2. Explain how environmental pressures, genetic inheritance and evolution are linked.
3. Discuss evolution in action and extinction.

Assessments

1. Oral and Visual Presentation (40%)
2. Written assignment - 1500 Words (60%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.