Intro the Phylogenetic Trees – Course Information

Course Description:

This course provides a straightforward introduction to phylogenetic trees. Designed for all learners who want the knowledge and skills to read, interpret, and apply core phylogenetic concepts to their interpretations of evolutionary history.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Define phylogenetic trees and explain their purpose in studying evolutionary relationships.
• Identify and describe the components of a phylogeny, including tips, nodes, branches, roots, and MRCA (Most Recent Common Ancestors).
• Differentiate between types of phylogenies (cladograms, time-calibrated phylogenies, and phylograms)
• Interpret the flow of evolutionary information from root to tip and its implications for understanding evolutionary relationships.
• Utilize phylogenies to infer evolutionary history and assess relationships between groups.
• Understand how to use summed branch lengths on time-calibrated trees.
• Apply phylogenetic concepts to real-world examples.

Every lesson in this course contains a short video lecture alongside written text. Quizzes throughout the course offer opportunities to check your understanding of the concepts. A final, open book mastery check provides you the opportunity to assess your mastery of the concepts!
A certification of course completion will be provided upon completion of the final mastery check.