Lessons Overview
Evolution Lesson One
Sample Lesson
The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection | A Very Short History of the Theory of Evolution | Variation and Sexual Reproduction | Sexual Selection | Adaptation and Fitness
Evolution Lesson Two
The Algorithm of Natural Selection | The Evolution of the Eye | Phyletic Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium
Evolution Lesson Three
Life | Genes and Memes | Animals and Taxonomy | The Origin of Life
Evolution Lesson Four
Species and Speciation | The Evolution of Humans | Natural Selection: Considerations and Perspectives
Course Description
The theory of evolution by natural selection is one of the best-confirmed theories in the history of science. It is a scientifically accepted theory due to the vast and diverse evidence that confirms it. It affects everything we know, no matter what branch of science it is, from physics to psychology.
Daniel Dennett writes, “I say if I could give a prize to the single best idea anybody ever had, I’d give it to Darwin—ahead of Newton, ahead of Einstein, ahead of everybody else. Why? Because Darwin’s idea put together the two biggest worlds, the world of mechanism and material, and physical causes on the one hand (the lifeless world of matter) and the world of meaning, and purpose, and goals.” (In Darwin’s Dangerous Idea).
This course gives is an overall introduction to Evolution to which I’ve added some personal comments.
Course Level
Undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Course Textbook
Abrantes, R. (2012) Evolution—An Introduction. @ethology.eu.
(The entire text is included in the topics of the lessons and reviewed in the topics videos).
Supplementary Primary Literature
Darwin, C. (1859) On the origin of species by means of natural selection, or the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life. London: John Murray. 1st ed.
Dawkins, R. (2006) The Selfish Gene. Oxford University Press, USA.
Futuyma, D. J. and Kirkpatrick, M. (2017). Evolution. Oxford Univ. Press. ISBN: 9781605356051.
Sudying and Tutoring
Take the topics and lessons on by one. Complete each lesson’s Knowledge Review and move on to the next lesson. Should you encounter any difficulties or should you like to pose a question, please click the Schedule an Appointment button that you find on the sidebar of all lessons.
Finally, take the final test and earn your certificate. Go for it and enjoy!
All indispensable materials are included in the course, although I recommend reading the supplementary primary literature and consulting references. Each course has a number of lessons, each of which has several topics. Each topic includes a video lecture reviewing the topic and corresponding text and illustrations. Thus, you can both watch and read the topic. There is a knowledge review for each lesson. The course completes with an exam.
