Evolution Today

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/evolution-today

Introduction

## Course Review: Evolution Today on Coursera ### Overview In the world of science, few concepts loom as large as evolution. Coursera’s course titled **"Evolution Today"** invites learners to delve deep into this transformative process that shapes all life forms on Earth. This five-week course employs an engaging blend of scientific rigor and accessibility, making it an ideal resource for anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of evolution and its pervasive influence on our lives. ### Course Structure and Syllabus The course is divided into five modules, each tackling a specific aspect of evolution: 1. **Welcome to the course Evolution Today**: The course kicks off with an inviting introduction, encouraging participants to engage with one another. The focus here is on community building, as learners share their motivation for joining the course. 2. **Do we change?**: This module introduces the cornerstone of evolutionary theory—natural selection. You will explore the conditions necessary for natural selection to operate effectively, and engage in discussions about contemporary human evolution. The simplicity of the concepts makes a robust topic approachable. 3. **How do we change?**: Here, the narrative takes a more personal turn as learners are invited to decipher the language of DNA. By examining mutations and genetic variation as the raw materials for evolution, students get to grip with the complexity of genetic change, making the science palpable and relevant. 4. **Who is this "we" anyway?**: This thought-provoking module prompts learners to reflect on the concept of identity in evolution. It raises stimulating questions about individual versus collective evolution—perfect for fostering deep discussions among participants. 5. **How have we (and haven't we) changed?**: While evolution is a dynamic process, certain limitations exist. This module accentuates the constraints under which evolution operates. Understanding the rules governing evolution enhances comprehension of why some traits emerge and others do not. 6. **How will we change?**: In the final module, the course pivots to a futuristic perspective, exploring the potential trajectories of human evolution and the impact our actions have on other species. This forward-looking view challenges learners to contemplate the implications of their role in the ecosystem. ### Why You Should Enroll The **"Evolution Today"** course is not just for biology enthusiasts; it appeals to anyone curious about how evolutionary processes can inform various fields. Whether you're interested in medicine, agriculture, psychology, or culture, understanding evolution provides vital insights. The course is designed to be engaging, with rich content presented in an understandable format. Each module is thoughtfully constructed to build upon the previous one, offering a comprehensive grasp of the topic. Furthermore, the interactive nature of the course fosters community engagement and collaborative learning. ### Recommendation I highly recommend **"Evolution Today"** for anyone seeking knowledge about evolution and its relevance in today's world. This course is perfect for students, professionals, or lifelong learners eager to engage with a foundational concept that echoes through all living systems. Whether you aim to enhance your understanding of biology, prepare for advanced studies, or simply satisfy your curiosity about the natural world, this course delivers. Take the opportunity to explore the evolving tapestry of life—enroll and be prepared to gain a new perspective on the world around you!

Syllabus

Welcome to the course Evolution Today

Great that you are joining us! In this course you will learn about Evolution. Before you start with this course we invite you to first take a look around and meet your fellow learners. We would like to know what brings you here and what you would like to get out of the course. If you encounter any difficulties while studying, please let us know in the forum. For technical difficulties or questions regarding the course certificate, you can always contact the Coursera Learner Helpdesk. Good luck & we hope you will enjoy studying in this course!

In this module, you are going to learn that a very powerful mechanism, natural selection, leads to evolutionary change. We are going to have a detailed look at what is required for this natural selection. And, knowing these conditions, we can judge whether traits in humans are evolving at the moment. This is a surprisingly simple module. I am looking forward to discuss human evolution with you at the end!

This is a real puzzle-module. We are going to decipher the language of DNA, and see that mutations in this DNA lead to new variation. As we saw, variation is the raw material for natural selection. Thus, take your pen and pencil and unravel with me the code of your own DNA!

In the first two modules, we have asked ourselves whether we experience evolutionary change, and if so, how this change comes about. In this module, we will explore who this "we" is anyway: is it us, the individual? Is it our species? Our genes? Who is in charge here?

In this module, we will take a look at the limitations to evolution. Despite the strength of the process of natural selection, some things simply are not possible. Evolution has to play by the rules, and this module will explore what those rules are.

In this module, we will have a look at the future. How will humans evolve, and, as our impact on the world increases, how will we affect the evolution of other organisms?