Genetics & Evolution through Biological Anthropology

This free online biological anthropology course explores the world of genetics and evolution. People have misunderstood the term ?evolution? for years. Does evolution mean humans evolved from monkeys? No! Register for this diploma certification course and learn what evolution is and how it works! We devote the first section to genetics because you need to understand genetics to understand evolution. We then study evolution in detail.

What You Will Learn In This Free Course

Introduction to Anthropology

In this module, you will be introduced to the discipline of Anthropology and its four fields. You will also learn why it is important to study genetics and evolution.

Basic Concepts in Genetics

In this module, you will be introduced to basic concepts in genetics, including cells, DNA, and chromosomes. You’ll also learn about the processes of mitosis and meiosis.; Module

Mendelian Genetics

In this module, you will be introduced to Mendelian Genetics. This will include the concepts of homozygous and heterozygous, dominant and recessive, and sex-linked inheritance. You will also learn how to create Punnett Squares and pedigrees.

Non-Mendelian Genetics

In this module, you will be introduced to non-Mendelian genetics. You will learn about the concepts of incomplete dominance, codominance, and penetrance. In addition, you will learn about polygenic inheritance, mitochondrial inheritance, and pleiotropy.

Human Genetic Variation

In this module, you will be introduced to human genetic variation. First, you will learn about the concept of heritability. Next, you will learn about the genetics of height and weight. Then, you will learn about the genetics of handedness. Finally, you will learn about lactase persistence and alcohol intolerance.

Human Genetics & Disease

In this module, you will be introduced to the genetics of some human diseases. First, you will learn about ABO Blood Groups and their relationship to diseases. Next, you will learn about sickle cell anemia. Finally, you will learn about type 2 diabetes.

First Assessment

In this module, you will take your first assessment. This assessment enables you to review your learning, so you can determine your knowledge and understanding of Chapter 1 from the following course: Understanding Genetics and Evolution Through Biological Anthropology.

Introduction to Evolutionary Thought

In this module, you will be introduced to the history of evolutionary thought. You will learn about ideas that had to change in order for the idea of evolution to be accepted. You will also learn about Charles Darwin and the theory of natural selection.

Microevolution

In this module, you will be introduced to the concept of microevolution. First, you will more about the theory of evolution. Then, you will learn about evolution and mutations. Finally, you will learn about gene flow, genetic drift, and founder effect.

Macroevolution

In this module, you will be introduced to the concept of macroevolution. First, you will learn about the concept of species. Next, you will learn about speciation, which is the creation of new species. Then, you will learn about the tempo of speciation. Finally, you will learn about the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium.

Genetics & Human Evolution

In this module, you will be introduced to genetics and human evolution. First, you will learn about how ancient DNA can be used to study evolution. Then, you will learn about mitochondrial DNA and human evolution. Next, you will learn about the Y chromosomes and human evolution. Finally, you will learn about autosomes and human evolution.

DNA and Neanderthals

In this module, you will be introduced to DNA and Neanderthals. First, you will learn about who the Neanderthals were. Then, you will learn about Neanderthal DNA. Finally, you will learn about the disappearance of the Neanderthals.

Contemporary Human Evolution

In this module, you will be introduced to contemporary human evolution. First, you will learn about what genetics can tell us about cultural practices. Then, you will learn about how cultural practices can affect evolution. Finally, you will learn about if humans are still evolving.

Second Assessment

In this module, you will take your second assessment. This assessment enables you to review your learning, so you can determine your knowledge and understanding of Chapter 2 from the following course: Understanding Genetics and Evolution Through Biological Anthropology.

Course assessment