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BIO307Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Evolution

This course introduces the fundamental principles of evolution, exploring the historical concepts, population genetics, and the origin of life. It covers topics such as gene frequency, the Hardy-Weinberg principle, polymorphism, mutation, and polyploidy. Students will examine evidence of evolution through fossils, comparative anatomy, and biochemistry. The course also delves into the evolution of plants, classification, phylogeny, and geological periods, providing a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary processes and their impact on biological diversity.

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65h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
EvolutionGeneticsSpeciationAdaptationPhylogeny

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Historical Concepts of Evolution

2

Population Genetics

3

Gene Frequency and Equilibrium

4

Hardy-Weinberg Principle

5

Genetic Variation and Mutation

6

Origin of Life

7

Evidence of Evolution

8

Plant Evolution

9

Classification and Phylogeny

10

Geological Time Scale

Total Topics10 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Biology

Genetics

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (4 methods)

in-text questions

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

self-assessment exercises

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Ecologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Evolutionary Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Geneticist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conservation Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PharmaceuticalsAgricultureBiotechnologyEnvironmental ConservationResearch and Development

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Theories of Evolution

5h

Unit 1: History and Mechanisms of Evolution

5 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Understand the historical background of evolution.
  • Describe the different schools of thought of the evolutionary process.
  • Understand Darwin's theory of natural selection.
Week
2

Module 1: Theories of Evolution

5h

Unit 2: Population Genetics

5 study hours
  • Define Population Genetics.
  • Describe the History of Population Genetics.
  • Understand the processes of population genetics.
Week
3

Module 1: Theories of Evolution

5h

Unit 3: Gene Frequency/Equilibrium

5 study hours
  • Define genetic frequency and equilibrium.
  • Understand the significance of genetic frequency.
  • Relate genetic frequency and the Hardy-Weinberg Principle.
Week
4

Module 1: Theories of Evolution

5h

Unit 4: Hardy-Weinberg Principle

5 study hours
  • Explain the importance of the Hardy-Weinberg Principle.
  • Apply the Hardy-Weinberg Law in analyzing population genetics for gene frequency, sex linkage, equilibrium, and heterozygote frequency.
Week
5

Module 1: Theories of Evolution

5h

Unit 5: Polymorphism

5 study hours
  • Define polymorphism.
  • State and discuss types of polymorphism.
Week
6

Module 2: Gene Variation: Types and Causes

5h

Unit 1: Genetic Variation

5 study hours
  • Understand the basis for variation.
  • Highlight the importance of natural selection.
Week
7

Module 2: Gene Variation: Types and Causes

5h

Unit 2: Reshuffling of Genes

5 study hours
  • Understand the meaning of Genetic recombination.
  • Understand Chromosomal crossover.
  • Understand Sexual reproduction.
Week
8

Module 2: Gene Variation: Types and Causes

5h

Unit 3: Mutation, origin and types

5 study hours
  • Define mutation.
  • List types of mutation.
  • Mention causes of mutation.
Week
9

Module 2: Gene Variation: Types and Causes

5h

Unit 4: Polyploidy

5 study hours
  • Explain the Importance of Polyploidy.
  • Understand the different Polyploidy in animals and plants.
Week
10

Module 2: Gene Variation: Types and Causes

5h

Unit 5: Isolation mechanisms

5 study hours
  • Explain what isolation mechanism is.
  • State the different types of isolation mechanism.
Week
11

Module 3: Evolution of Life

5h

Unit 1: Origin of Life

5 study hours
  • Explain the origin of life.
  • Understand the probable stages in the origin of life.
Week
12

Module 3: Evolution of Life

5h

Unit 2: Evidence of evolution, adaptation and Speciation

5 study hours
  • Explain the different evidence of evolution.
  • Explain adaptation and Speciation with the different mechanism involved.
Week
13

Module 3: Evolution of Life

15h

Unit 3: Evolution of the plants

5 study hours
  • Explain plant evolution.
  • Understand the theories to explain the appearance of a diplobiontic lifecycle.

Unit 4: Classification and phylogeny

5 study hours
  • Define classification and phylogeny.
  • List the bases of classification.

Unit 5: Geological periods and epoch

5 study hours
  • Explain geological time scale and epoch.
  • Explain the division of earth's history.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed concept maps linking key evolutionary concepts from Modules 1-3.

2

Practice Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium calculations from Unit 4 to solidify understanding.

3

Review the different types of mutations and their effects on protein synthesis (Unit 3, Module 2).

4

Compare and contrast the evidence for evolution from fossils, anatomy, and biochemistry.

5

Focus on understanding the mechanisms of speciation and adaptation.

6

Develop timelines of major events in plant evolution and geological history.

7

Review all glossary terms and end-of-module questions to reinforce key concepts.

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