Natural Selection & Adaptation Courses and Certifications

Coding Train

Genetic Algorithms - The Nature of Code

Explore evolutionary computing principles through hands-on genetic algorithm implementation, from basic concepts to advanced applications like smart rockets and traveling salesperson problems.

• YouTube
• 6 hours 12 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Migration

11 ratings at OpenLearn

Migration is a free course looking at the migrations of animals, with special reference to birds, and also introducing the themes of movement, selection and homeostasis.

• OpenLearn
• 8 hours
• Self-Paced
• Free Certificate

The Nature of Evolution: Selection, Inheritance, and History - Lecture 1

An overview of evolution from natural selection and random drift to microevolution, macroevolution, and the history of life.

• YouTube
• 43 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Royal Institution

If Brains are Computers, Who Designs the Software?

Explore cognitive science with philosopher Daniel Dennett as he examines how education redesigns our brains, viewed as cerebral computers, and the implications for consciousness and mind evolution.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 16 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Royal Institution

How Did Consciousness Evolve? - With Nicholas Humphrey

Explore the evolution of consciousness with psychologist Nicholas Humphrey, examining its origins, presence in animals, and potential future, while delving into the nature of sentience and its implications.

• YouTube
• 50 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Stated Clearly

Darwin's Monster: The Australian Three-Toed Skink

Explore the Australian Three-Toed Skink's unusual features as evidence of evolution in action. Discover how this bizarre creature reveals evolutionary processes, trait development, and adaptation to environmental pressures.

• YouTube
• 10 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

NPTEL-NOC IITM

An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology

Discover the fundamental principles of evolutionary biology, from Darwin's theories to modern synthesis, covering genetics, selection, speciation, and human evolution.

• YouTube
• 1 day 7 hours 38 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Stated Clearly

Mutation Bias - Understanding Random Mutations in Evolution

Explore the nuanced reality of genetic mutations, challenging common misconceptions about randomness in evolution and examining how DNA structure and repair mechanisms influence mutation patterns.

• YouTube
• 12 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Dave Churchill

Intro to Artificial Intelligence - Evolutionary Computing - Lecture 11

Explore evolutionary computing techniques for AI problem-solving, including genetic algorithms and their applications in optimization and game AI.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 19 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Royal Institution

Climbing Mount Improbable - Lecture 3

Explore how evolution works through Dawkins' compelling mountain metaphor, demonstrating how complex life forms develop through gradual changes and environmental adaptation rather than sudden leaps.

• YouTube
• 57 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Royal Institution

Designed and Designoid Objects - Lecture 2

Explore the fascinating distinction between designed and designoid objects, as Richard Dawkins reveals how natural selection creates complex biological structures that appear purposefully designed.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Royal Institution

Waking Up in the Universe - Part 1: Origins of Life

Explore the fascinating journey of life's evolution with Richard Dawkins as he examines human ancestry, probability of existence, and scientific understanding of life's origins through engaging demonstrations.

• YouTube
• 55 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Royal Institution

The Ultraviolet Garden: Nature Beyond Human Perception - Lecture 4

Explore how nature exists beyond human perception through the ultraviolet patterns of flowers, challenging anthropocentric views and revealing the complex evolutionary relationships that shape our natural world.

• YouTube
• 55 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

BeeFit Beekeeping

Amitraz Resistance in Varroa Mites - Understanding the Science Behind Treatment Failure

Uncover why amitraz, beekeepers' 20-year weapon against Varroa mites, is suddenly failing worldwide and explore resistance science, genetics, and rotation strategies to save hives.

• YouTube
• 26 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Stated Clearly

Flagella Evolution - Competence Without Comprehension

Uncover how evolution builds complex biological structures through blind processes, addressing common misconceptions about bacterial flagella development and evolutionary mechanisms.

• YouTube
• 35 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video