Explore the fundamentals of biology with Yale Courses. Covering evolution, genetics, ecology, and more, this free online course offers thorough insights into key biological concepts.
The Biology course offers an extensive deep dive into the foundational theories and practices of biology. Spanning over 27 hours and 28 minutes, this comprehensive course has earned an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars, indicating its high quality and the satisfaction of its learners.
Categorized under Basic Studies, specifically focusing on Biology, this course is designed to enrich your understanding of the principles that define life and its processes. It covers a wide range of topics that are essential to building a solid foundation in biological sciences.
The course begins with an exploration of evolutionary concepts, detailing how selection, inheritance, and history shape the life forms we observe today. Key mechanisms such as natural selection and genetic drift are explained, shedding light on how populations evolve over time. The curriculum delves into basic transmission genetics and the complexities of genetic variation, maintaining a balance between theoretical underpinnings and practical examples.
As you progress, the course addresses the importance of development in evolution, exploring how changes at the genetic level manifest in the physical world. Special attention is given to various forms of evolution, including adaptive and neutral evolution, and the ways in which selection influences genetic composition. The fascinating aspects of sex evolution, genomic conflict, and sexual selection are examined, providing insights into the complexity of reproductive strategies and behaviors across species.
In addition to genetic and evolutionary principles, the course also highlights key events in Earth's history, such as major geological activities and the fossil record, which offer context to the evolution of life. Phylogeny and systematics are discussed to help learners understand the tree of life and the relationships among different organisms. Techniques like comparative methods, including the use of trees, maps, and traits, are introduced to enhance analytical skills in evolutionary biology.
Environmental biology is another crucial component, addressing climate's impact on the distribution of life, interactions with the physical environment, population dynamics, and interspecific competition. Topics like island biogeography and invasive species provide a broader ecological perspective. The course covers the essential flows of energy and matter within ecosystems, factors driving biodiversity, and the ecological and evolutionary aspects of species interactions.
With an extensive section on evolutionary game theory, mating systems, and parental care, the course offers a glimpse into the decision-making processes within the animal kingdom. It also discusses economic decisions in foraging, alternative breeding strategies, and the balance between selfishness and altruism in the natural world.
Overall, the Biology class stands out as a thorough and engaging introduction to biology, suitable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the natural world and the evolutionary processes that sustain it. Whether you are a biology novice or someone looking to brush up on foundational concepts, this course promises to provide valuable knowledge and insights.
Video class: 1. The Nature of Evolution: Selection, Inheritance, and History
0h43m
Exercise: _What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution in biological evolution?
Video class: 2. Basic Transmission Genetics
0h44m
Video class: 3. Adaptive Evolution: Natural Selection
0h45m
Exercise: _What are the three types of evolution discussed in the lecture?
Video class: 4. Neutral Evolution: Genetic Drift
0h44m
Video class: 5. How Selection Changes the Genetic Composition of Population
0h49m
Video class: 6. The Origin and Maintenance of Genetic Variation
0h48m
Video class: 7. The Importance of Development in Evolution
0h45m
Exercise: _What is the genotype-phenotype map also known as in the context of development biology?
Video class: 8. The Expression of Variation: Reaction Norms
0h43m
Video class: 9. The Evolution of Sex
0h49m
Exercise: _What is the difference between the red color and blue color in the turkey's neck and face?
Video class: 10. Genomic Conflict
0h47m
Video class: 11. Life History Evolution
0h45m
Exercise: _What is life history evolution?
Video class: 12. Sex Allocation
0h48m
Video class: 13. Sexual Selection
0h46m
Exercise: _What is sexual selection?
Video class: 14. Species and Speciation
0h50m
Video class: 15. Phylogeny and Systematics
0h43m
Exercise: _What is the Tree of Life according to the lecture?
Video class: 16. Comparative Methods: Trees, Maps, and Traits
0h50m
Video class: 17. Key Events in Evolution
0h48m
Exercise: _What are the properties that define life according to the lecture?
Video class: 18. Major Events in the Geological Theatre
0h47m
Video class: 19. The Fossil Record and Life's History
0h47m
Video class: 20. Coevolution
0h48m
27 hours and 28 minutes of online video course
Exercises to train your knowledge
Certificate of course completion
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