Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/molecular-evolution
The course ‘Molecular Evolution (Bioinformatics IV)’ on Coursera is a fascinating and comprehensive journey into understanding the evolutionary history of life through bioinformatics. Building upon foundational knowledge of gene, protein, and genome comparison, this course dives into the construction of the ‘Tree of Life’, illustrating how various organisms are related and have diverged over millions of years.
What sets this course apart is its focus on cutting-edge algorithms and methods used in evolutionary tree construction, including the renowned neighbor-joining algorithm and character-based approaches. The course is structured into clear weekly modules, starting with the basics of evolutionary tree construction, then exploring advanced methods from distance matrices to character analysis, and finally applying learned techniques to real-world problems like tracing the origins of deadly viruses such as Ebola.
Each week is supplemented with engaging bioinformatics cartoons by Randall Christopher, which add a fun and visual element to complex topics. The course culminates in a Practical Bioinformatics Application Challenge, where learners apply their skills to investigate the origins of viruses and dinosaurs, making the learning experience both theoretical and applied.
I highly recommend this course for students, researchers, and anyone interested in genetics, evolution, or bioinformatics. It provides vital skills for understanding evolutionary processes and applying bioinformatics techniques to solve biological mysteries. Whether you are looking to deepen your knowledge or develop skills for a career in bioinformatics or evolutionary biology, this course offers valuable content and practical insights to propel your understanding forward.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/molecular-evolution