Genetics is a field of study concerned with genes, genetic variations and heredity in organisms. Evolutionary developmental biology is the corresponding study of organismal progression and how it has evolved. This course will be exploring both topics. Since the origin of civilisation, humankind has realised the importance of heredity and employed its laws to advance cultivated crops and domestic animals. Modernised genetics focuses on the chemical substance that genes are made of, called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It influences the chemical responses that establish the living processes within the cell. Evolutionary biology investigates the evolutionary processes, natural selection, common descent and speciation that created 'life on Earth'.

This course will teach you how organisms can develop from an egg or seed into a full-grown adult and how this process repeats continuously. Have you ever wondered how life began? Some cultures may have religious beliefs that explain it and others rely solely on science. This course explores the scientific aspect of how we evolved, why evolution is necessary and why humans are so different. Why are there so many different shades of skin, eye colours or hair types? If you would like to know the answer to these fascinating questions, understanding genetics and evolutionary developmental biology is your key.

Finally, you will look at the history of genetics and evolutionary developmental biology and the attempts to explain age-old obstacles and encourage more inquiries as time proceeds. Is humanity still evolving? What will be the ultimate result? Learn more by investigating ‘plasticity’, which refers to an organism’s ability to adjust its structure and function in response to environmental inputs, taking many forms. These forms may facilitate and speed up genetic acclimatisation. It also allows individuals to modify and fine-tune their biological structure in response to varying conditions and aids in clarifying efforts to unravel the genetic structure of many common chronic diseases. New diseases and viruses emerge every day and we need to understand how our cells communicate, how our genes differ or are similar to cure these ailments. Enrol in this course today and become adept and understanding our role in evolutionary and developmental biology.