In this course we will examine the incredible variety of life that inhabits this planet including microorganisms, plants, and animals. For each of the major groups we’ll learn about their characteristics, functions, and how they came into existence as well as some of the roles they play in the natural world, and how they’re relevant to people. We’ll also take a close look at us humans and consider what we know about our origins and what might become of us in the future.

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Course 3 of 3 in the Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Welcome to Introduction of Biology - Biodiversity

Module 1: What is life and how did it begin?

WEEK 2

Module 2: Prokaryotic Life

In this module, we will learn about the major groups of prokaryotes, the role of the human microbiome, the discovery of antibiotics, and how bacteria develop antibiotic resistance.

Module 3: Eukaryotic Life

In this module, we will learn about the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the major groups of protists, plants, and fungi and how they affect people and other organisms.

WEEK 3

Module 4: Invertebrate Animals

In this module, we will learn about the evolutionary origins of animals, as well as some of the characteristics and importance of invertebrate animals such as Cnidarians, Rotifers, Mollusks, and Arthropods.

WEEK 4

Module 5: Vertebrate Animals

In this module, we will learn about the major groups of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

WEEK 5

Module 6: Mammals and Humans

In this module, we will learn about the major groups of mammals, including humans and other primates.

Final Assessment & Course Summary

Introduction to Biology: Ecology Evolution & Biodiversity Specialization

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Rice University