Introduction to Genetics and Evolutionary Ecology

Are you seeking a clear, foundational understanding of how life inherits traits and adapts to its environment? This course demystifies the core principles governing biological diversity, from the molecular level to entire ecosystems. By the end of this course, you will be able to analyze patterns of genetic transmission, predict changes in allele frequencies within populations, and grasp the interplay between ecological pressures and evolutionary mechanisms. You will gain the essential scientific literacy required for further study in the life sciences. What you'll learn: * Understand the fundamental structure of DNA and chromosomes and how they relate to the concepts of genes and alleles. * Master Mendelian inheritance patterns, including dominance, segregation, and independent assortment, through practice problems. * Analyze complex inheritance patterns such as sex-linkage, linkage, and gene interactions (epistasis). * Apply the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium principle to calculate allele and genotype frequencies in stable populations. * Examine the key evolutionary forces—natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow—that cause populations to evolve. * Interpret how ecological factors influence population dynamics and contribute to speciation events over geological time. The course begins with foundational definitions in molecular biology and classical genetics before moving into quantitative population genetics models. The final sections explore macroevolutionary theory and the role of ecology in shaping biodiversity. This course is designed for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of biology or genetics required. If you are starting your journey in the life sciences, this is the perfect starting point. Begin reading today to unlock the secrets of inheritance and evolution.