Course description

Evolution is the central concept in biology. This course examines evolution as a science and places it in an historical context. Classes focus on descent with modification, the nature of natural selection, the history of the earth, the information content of the fossil record, and processes responsible for diversification (speciation and extinction). The science of evolutionary biology is presented in the context of a broader history of ideas in science. The course also explores the importance of evolutionary thinking in the 21st century, including discussion of antibiotic and pesticide resistance, personalized genomics, eugenics, and climate change.

Outcome 1: Provide examples of the kinds of questions evolutionary biologists ask, and the types of tools and evidence they use to answer them.

Outcome 2: Recognize and correct common misunderstandings about evolution.

Outcome 3: Differentiate between the four main mechanisms of evolution (mutation, natural selection, migration, genetic drift).

Outcome 4: Communicate about evolutionary principles to classmates and the general public.

Outcome 5: Describe examples of evolution occurring in the modern day.

Intended for students with no background in college biology. Does not meet evolutionary biology requirement for biological sciences major. May not be taken for credit after BIOEE 1780 or 1781.

Summer 2023: Online course

Section ID:BIOEE 1180 001-LEC
Number:1025
Session:Summer 3-week 2
Class dates:June 20-July 7, 2023
Final exam/project due:Friday July 07, 11 AM - 2 PM / Online (see Final exams)
Time / room:M-F 11 AM - 2 PM / Online
Mode of instruction:Online (sync)
Credit:3
Grade:Graded only
Instructor:Graffin, G. (gwg1)
Max. enroll:23
Eligibility:

Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors

See Eligibility for Summer Courses.

To enroll:

This course is full. If you would like to be considered for a different class, please send an email to precollege@cornell.edu with the class number. You will want to first check that the class you want is not full before you write to us.

See Apply for Online Courses.

See Dates & Deadlines.

See Online Learning FAQs.

This course is open to all registrants, including undergraduates and precollege students.

Tuition & fees:See Tuition for Online Courses