CLSTHBI001 - Evolution Since Darwin
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection fundamentally changed the way we think about the natural world and our place in it. This course begins with Darwin’s around-the-world journey as a naturalist aboard the Beagle and considers how his visit to the Galápagos Islands influenced the development of his ideas. We then examine what Darwin proposed, what evidence exists for his theory and how our understanding of evolution has changed since Darwin’s lifetime. Discover how the genetic revolution—from Mendel’s work on peas to the sequencing of the human genome—has transformed the way scientists study evolution and led to exciting new discoveries. We also consider how evolutionary science is being used to improve human lives, from the prevention and treatment of disease to efforts to extend the human life span—and perhaps even to direct our own evolutionary future.
Course Details
Scott E. Solomon, Ph.D., is a biologist, professor and writer. He received a doctorate in ecology, evolution and behavior from The University of Texas at Austin, where he examined the evolutionary basis of biological diversity in the Amazon Basin. He worked as a postdoctoral researcher with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and the State University of São Paulo in Rio Claro, Brazil. Dr. Solomon is now an associate teaching professor in the Department of BioSciences at Rice University, where he teaches courses in introductory biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, field biology and scientific communication. He is the author of “Future Humans: Inside the Science of Our Continuing Evolution.”.
Online: Synchronous
This course will be delivered in a synchronous format online. Registered participants will receive login instructions to the course page, which will provide access to the virtual classroom link and other resources.
- On the Origin of an Idea: How did an around-the-world journey—and in particular a visit to the Galápagos Islands—lead Darwin toward a new idea about how species change?
- Only a Theory?: What evidence exists for Darwin’s theory of evolution?
- The Modern Synthesis and Beyond: How has the burgeoning field of genetics influenced our understanding of evolution?
- What Darwin Got Wrong: What aspects of modern evolutionary biology would be unexpected to Darwin—and what did he get wrong about evolution?
- Applying Evolution: How can our understanding of evolution be used to improve—and perhaps even extend—our modern lives?
- Gene Editing and the Future of Human Evolution: How might technology be used to influence the future evolution of life on Earth—including the future of Homo sapiens?
Biosciences at Rice