Are you wondering exactly how natural selection works? Are you an educator who needs to teach evolution? I’ve combed the Class Central catalog and collated ratings and reviews to identify the top online evolution courses for you.

The courses in this Best Courses Guide (BCG) are created by well-known universities: Rice, Duke, Leiden, and University of Alberta among others. We’ve also thrown in a couple of super offerings from the University of Copenhagen, the American Museum of Natural History and the University of California for good measure.

And if you want more best courses in related fields, see our Genetics and Paleontology BCGs.

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• Top Picks
• BCG Stats
• Why You Should Trust Us
• How We Made Our Picks and Tested Them

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BCG Stats

• 10 courses are free or free to audit and 1 is paid
• 10 courses offer a certificate of completion (1 certificate is free)
• These courses have accumulated over 260K enrollments and nearly a million views
• The most featured provider is Coursera with 7 courses.

Most Up-to-Date Course About Evolution

Introduction to Biology: Evolution from Rice University was released in September 2022 and is ideal for anyone with a keen interest in biology, particularly in the field of evolution. It’s suitable for beginners who are new to the subject, as it starts with the historical development of evolutionary theory and builds up to more complex concepts. The course is comprehensive, covering the foundational theories of evolution, mechanisms of how evolution works, the process of speciation, and the evidence supporting evolutionary theory. In this course:

• Understand the historical development of the theory of evolution from ancient Greece to Victorian England
• Learn about Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, other mechanisms of evolution, and how to use the Hardy-Weinberg Principle to determine if a population is evolving
• Explore the process of speciation, the construction of phylogenetic trees, and the practical applications of phylogenetics
• Examine various types of evidence for evolution, including the fossil record, biogeography, comparative anatomy, and direct observation, as well as the significance of evolution in the context of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

If you enjoy the course, you can go on to the rest of the Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization by Rice University in Houston, Texas: Introduction to Biology: Ecology (in our Ecology BCG), and Introduction to Biology: Biodiversity.

To access the free-to-audit option, see A Guide on How to Sign up for Coursera Courses for Free.

Best Introduction to Evolutionary Genetics Course

Introduction to Genetics and Evolution is on Class Central’s Best Online Courses of All Time list and is also in the Genetics BCG. This free-to-audit, college-level class assumes no previous knowledge of biology, although newbies may need to concentrate as the high-school basics are covered quickly at the start of the course. Take this comprehensive course if you’re curious about topics like genome sequences, ancestry DNA kits, the debate around evolution, animal behavior, and the genetic evidence for natural selection.

Supplementary materials (texts and videos) are clearly marked for those who want to go deeper into the subject. What you’ll learn from this course:

• Basic principles of genetics and evolution
• Evidence supporting the theory of evolution
• Fundamental concepts of transmission genetics and inheritance
• The role of recombination in genetics
• How genetic variation originates and its study in complex traits
• The interplay between genetics and environment in shaping traits
• Population growth and evolutionary genetics concepts
• The impact of natural selection and genetic drift on populations
• The evolutionary advantages of sexual reproduction
• Analysis of DNA sequences to understand evolutionary forces
• Adaptive animal behaviors and sexual selection
• The process of speciation and phylogenetic relationships
• Applications of evolutionary concepts to human health and well-being.

“Excellent class! Dr. Noor is an outstanding professor…very down to earth with a good sense of humor. All topics are explained clearly. Exams can be challenging, but are reasonable.” – Anonymous learner.

Best Introductory Evolution through Natural Selection Course with Free Certificate

Evolution through natural selection is ideal for anyone interested in understanding the foundational concept of biological evolution as originally proposed by Charles Darwin. Suitable for beginners, it does not assume prior knowledge of genetics or the detailed mechanisms of inheritance. This text-based course is concise, focusing on the principles of natural selection and how they were observed by Darwin. It provides a solid introduction to the theory that has shaped our understanding of the history of life on Earth. Learn how to:

• Understand the basic principles of natural selection as proposed by Charles Darwin
• Explore Darwin’s observations and conclusions about evolution without needing advanced knowledge of genetics
• Grasp the concepts of the struggle for existence, variation, and inheritance as key components of natural selection
• Gain insights into other influences on evolution beyond natural selection.

“Fascinating and thoroughly absorbing. Enjoyed this brief insight into evolution.” – Andy Knaggs, OpenLearn learner.

Best General Evolution Course

Origins – Formation of the Universe, Solar System, Earth and Life, from the University of Copenhagen, is ideal for anyone fascinated by the cosmic and geological forces that shaped our universe, solar system, and life on Earth. It’s suitable for beginners who have an interest in astronomy, geology, and biology. The course is comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics from the Big Bang to the Cambrian Explosion and the evolution of life up to the present day. Take this course if you’re eager to understand the grand narrative of our universe’s history, taught by experts from the University of Copenhagen, an institution renowned for its research in these areas.

This course is also featured in our Biology and Paleontology BCGs. You will learn about:

• The formation of elements and the solar system
• Geological principles and the early Earth, including the oldest evidence for life
• The evolution of microbial life and the foundations of animal groups
• The transition from microbial to macrobial life and the significance of cellular evolution
• The development of marine life, evolutionary faunas, and the concept of predation
• The role of oxygen in the evolution of life and its impact on biodiversity
• The origins and diversification of plants, including the evolution of flowering plants
• The evolution of insects and their pivotal role in ecosystems
• The colonization of continents by vertebrates, the origin of dinosaurs and birds, and mass extinction events.

“…an absolute treasury of information was provided during this course…” – from my in-depth review.

Also Great Evolution Course

If you’re fascinated by the concept of evolution and its impact on the world around us, Evolution Today is the course for you. This course leverages the unique collections of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center and fieldwork to provide practical insights into evolutionary science. You’ll learn from experts at Leiden University, who will guide you through the principles of evolution and its future implications.

Here’s what you’ll learn in “Evolution Today”:

• The mechanism of natural selection and its role in evolutionary change.
• How mutations in DNA lead to variation, the raw material for natural selection.
• The definition of “we” in evolutionary terms, exploring whether it refers to individuals, species, or genes.
• The limitations of evolution and the rules it must follow.
• Predictions about the future of human evolution and our influence on the evolution of other organisms.

“This course far exceeded my expectations. The instructors were engaging, the material was challenging but fascinating, and I looked forward to every module…” – Anonymous.

Best Evolution Course for Computational Biologists

If you’re fascinated by the evolutionary history of life on Earth and have a knack for computational biology, Molecular Evolution (Bioinformatics IV) is tailored for you. This course is ideal for individuals with an interest in bioinformatics and evolutionary biology. It’s suitable for learners with some background in the field, as it builds on methods for comparing genes, proteins, and genomes. The course is comprehensive, diving deep into evolutionary tree construction and computational proteomics. You’ll be guided through the process by experts from UC San Diego, who will help you explore significant scientific concepts and apply bioinformatics software tools to real-world challenges. Here’s what you’ll learn in this course:

• Approaches for constructing evolutionary trees and their application in resolving complex scientific questions
• Computational methods to examine the evolutionary relationship between birds and dinosaurs, including the analysis of molecular evidence
• The use of bioinformatics software tools to reconstruct an evolutionary tree of ebolaviruses and identify the origins of the recent Ebola epidemic.

Molecular Evolution (Bioinformatics IV) is part of the Bioinformatics Specialization on Coursera, designed for learners fascinated by the intersection of biology and technology, especially those keen on understanding computational approaches to biological questions.

To access the free-to-audit option, see A Guide on How to Sign up for Coursera Courses for Free.

“Good course for improving algorithmic skills and keep learning something new” – Pavel O, Coursera learner.

Best Evolution Course for Educators

The American Museum of Natural History’s Evolution: A Course for Educators is ideal for educators who wish to deepen their understanding of evolutionary science and integrate it into their teaching. It’s suitable for beginners, providing a comprehensive overview of evolutionary concepts without the need for prior knowledge in the field. The course focuses on the fundamental principles of evolution. The course leverages the American Museum of Natural History’s expertise to help educators effectively convey the intricacies of evolution to their students. What you will learn in this course:

• Charles Darwin’s concepts of the tree of life and natural selection
• Strategies for identifying and addressing common misconceptions about evolution among students
• Insights into the role of extinction in evolution and the history of life on Earth
• Knowledge about human evolution and the migration of different hominid species, including Homo sapiens
• Techniques for teaching evolution in culturally diverse classrooms.

“Great course with good scientific background and excellent pedagogic advice. I highly recommend it to teachers and science curious. Thanks AMNH, looking forward to the next course.” – Anonymous.

Also Great Evolution Course for Educators

Understanding and Teaching Evolution is tailored for teachers, students, parents, and others. It’s particularly suitable if you’re interested in teaching evolution to 7–16 year olds. Accessible for beginners, the course delves into the genetics of evolution, providing a modern perspective that goes beyond Darwin’s initial theories. It’s comprehensive, covering the basics of inheritance and variation to the complexities of speciation and human evolution. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The genetics of inheritance and how variation occurs within species
• The process of natural selection and how it leads to adaptation and the emergence of new species
• An understanding of macroevolution and the concept of geological time
• Insights into human evolution and how our species has developed over time
• Resources and strategies for effectively teaching the topic of evolution.

“Great course containing all the elements required to teach Evolution at high school level.” – Tim C., FutureLearn learner.

Best Course About Early Vertebrate Evolution

If you’re fascinated by the ancient world and the origins of vertebrate life, Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution from the University of Alberta is perfect for you. This course is suitable for beginners because you don’t need any special background knowledge. You’ll be guided through the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages and the evolution of significant vertebrate features. Learn about:

• Key anatomical features of vertebrates and their chordate relatives
• The basics of phylogenetics and sedimentology to understand the early vertebrate environment.
• Comparative anatomy and the diversity of jawless vertebrates.
• The origin and impact of jaws in vertebrates and the diversity of jawed fishes.
• The transition from aquatic to terrestrial life and the rise of tetrapods.

This course was also featured in our Paleontology BCG.

“An excellent course, like all of the Paleontology courses from Alberta. Well presented and explained, enthusiastic presenter and good visuals.” – Anonymous.

Best GATE Exam Prep Course in Ecology and Evolution

This course is ideal for anyone preparing for the GATE Exam in India, specifically for the EY (Ecology & Evolution) section. It’s a comprehensive review that covers all the topics you’ll need to know for the exam. Suitable for beginners or those needing a refresher, this course starts with the basics and progresses to more complex concepts. GATE Exam – EY (Ecology & Evolution): Test Prep & Syllabus not only provides a thorough review of the subject matter but also includes quizzes to test your understanding. The course is designed by experts who are well-versed in the GATE Exam content and structure, ensuring you’re learning from a reliable source. You will:

• Gain a solid understanding of verbal ability, including grammar, sentence completion, analogies, word groups, instructions, critical reasoning, and deduction
• Develop numerical ability skills in computation, estimation, reasoning, and data interpretation
• Explore key ecological concepts such as population ecology, species interactions, community ecology, ecosystems, and applied ecology
• Understand evolution, types of selection, life history strategies, genetics basics, molecular evolution, and behavioral ecology
• Learn about mathematics and quantitative ecology, statistical hypothesis in ecology, and mating systems
• Utilize GATE Exam – EY (Ecology & Evolution) flashcards for additional practice and reinforcement of concepts.

Other Study.com courses include Evolutionary Biology, Intro to Evolution, and Evolution Study Guide.

Best Comprehensive Course for CBSE Class 10 Biology Students

If you’re a high school student preparing for your CBSE Class 10 exams in India, this course on Heredity and Evolution is tailored for you. It’s perfect for beginners who are new to the concepts of genetics and evolutionary biology. The course is comprehensive, covering all the key topics you need for your exams. The instructor and institution have designed the course specifically to align with the CBSE Class 10 curriculum, ensuring that the content is relevant and useful. In this course, you will learn about:

• The basics of heredity and evolution, including an introduction to inherited traits
• Mendel’s experiments with dominant and recessive traits and the principles of inheritance
• The significance of chromosomes, including sex chromosomes, autosomes, and concepts like haploid and diploid
• How traits are expressed and the process of sex determination
• The mechanisms of evolution, including genetic drift, speciation, and evidence supporting evolutionary theory
• Detailed insights into human evolution.

“U guys rock!!! Excellent explanation…Thanx a ton!..” – @yashichauhan28, YouTube learner.

Why You Should Trust Us

Class Central, a Tripadvisor for online education, has helped 60 million learners find their next course. We’ve been combing through online education for more than a decade to aggregate a catalog of 200,000 online courses and 200,000 reviews written by our users. And we’re online learners ourselves: combined, the Class Central team has completed over 400 online courses, including online degrees. I’ve personally completed over 150 online courses in a variety of topics including evolution.

How We Made Our Picks and Tested Them

Trying to find “the best” can be daunting, even for those of us who live and breathe online courses. Here’s how I approached this task.

First, I combed through Class Central’s Catalog and the internet to find a variety of free and paid open courses, some with certificates. You don’t need to enroll in a university to learn about evolution.

When choosing courses, I considered the following factors:

• Renowned Institutions: I looked for recognized institutions in evolution
• Instructor experience: I sought instructors with extensive experience in evolution and engaging presentation styles

• Popularity: I checked numbers of enrollments and views to find popular courses

• Course content: I examined courses that covered a range of topics and presentation styles, including the basics and more advanced topics. I watched some course videos to sample courses I hadn’t already taken
• Learner reviews: I read learner reviews (when available) to get a sense of the quality of each course, leveraging the Class Central database with its thousands of course ratings and reviews written by our users as well as available course provider reviews.

Then, I defined the scope for these recommendations. An evolution course can cover various topics, so I chose top courses from a range of sub-fields.

Ultimately, I used a combination of data and my own judgment to make these picks. I’m confident these recommendations will be a reliable way to learn about evolution.