Module #1 Introduction to Evolutionary Change Overview of the course, introduction to evolutionary biology, and the importance of understanding evolutionary change
Module #2 Fundamentals of Evolution Review of key evolutionary concepts, including variation, heredity, and adaptation
Module #3 Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change:An Overview Introduction to the main mechanisms of evolutionary change, including mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, selection, and non-random mating
Module #4 Mutation and Genetic Variation The role of mutation in generating genetic variation, types of mutations, and their effects on evolution
Module #5 Genetic Drift:The Role of Chance The concept of genetic drift, its causes, and its effects on population evolution
Module #6 Gene Flow and Population Structure The importance of gene flow in shaping population evolution, and the effects of population structure on gene flow
Module #7 Natural Selection:The Core Mechanism The principles of natural selection, including variation, heritability, and differential reproduction
Module #8 Modes of Natural Selection Types of natural selection, including directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection
Module #9 Adaptation and the Evolution of Fitness The evolution of adaptation, and the measures of fitness
Module #10 Non-Random Mating and Assortative Mating The effects of non-random mating on evolution, including inbreeding, outbreeding, and assortative mating
Module #11 Genetic Linkage and Epistasis The effects of genetic linkage and epistasis on evolutionary change
Module #12 Evolution of Developmental Traits The evolution of developmental traits, including morphogenesis, pattern formation, and developmental constraints
Module #13 Evolution of Behavior The evolution of behavior, including instinct, learning, and cultural evolution
Module #14 Evolution of Mate Choice and Mating Systems The evolution of mate choice, mating systems, and sexual selection
Module #15 Evolution of Defense Mechanisms The evolution of defense mechanisms, including immunity, resistance, and tolerance
Module #16 Evolution of Host-Parasite Interactions The evolution of host-parasite interactions, including co-evolution and Red Queen dynamics
Module #17 Evolution of Social Behavior The evolution of social behavior, including cooperation, altruism, and kin selection
Module #18 Evolution of Human Disease The evolution of human disease, including the evolution of pathogens and the evolution of human susceptibility
Module #19 Evolution of Developmental Gene Regulatory Networks The evolution of developmental gene regulatory networks, including the role of cis-regulatory elements
Module #20 Evolution of Gene Expression The evolution of gene expression, including the role of transcription factors and epigenetics
Module #21 Phylogenetics and Tree Thinking Introduction to phylogenetic analysis, including tree reconstruction and interpretation
Module #22 Molecular Evolution and Phylogenomics The evolution of molecular sequences, including DNA, RNA, and protein evolution
Module #23 Fossil Record and Macroevolution The fossil record and its role in understanding macroevolutionary patterns and processes
Module #24 Evolutionary Medicine and Public Health Applications of evolutionary principles to medicine and public health
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change career
