Undergraduate Certificate in Evolutionary Biology

What will I be studying?

There are three complementary units which build knowledge and understanding of evolutionary processes and how these affect the way organisms look and behave. 

Unit 1: Darwin's idea

Learn about the history of Darwin’s discovery and the evidence for evolution from living organisms and the fossil record. Be introduced to modern advances in evolutionary biology and the interplay between an organism’s outward characteristics and its genetics.

Synchronous teaching dates: 14/10/2023, 28/10/2023, 11/11/2023 & 25/11/2023

Unit 2: Behaviour and biodiversity

Explore the behavioural characteristics that organisms display and their consequences for reproduction and survival. Examine how speciation can occur, the scope of species diversity in natural ecosystems, and the interplay between species in functioning communities.

Synchronous teaching dates: 20/01/2024, 03/02/2024, 17/02/2024 & 02/03/2024

Unit 3: Plants and people

Look into the evolution in plants, their co-evolution with animals, and the role of selective breeding in producing crop plants. Engage with the impact of humans and global change on evolutionary processes.

Synchronous teaching dates: 06/04/2024, 20/04/2024, 04/05/2024 & 18/05/2024

Who is this course for?

Anyone with an interest in Evolution. No previous experience in the subject is necessary.  

What can I go on to do?

We offer a Diploma in Evolutionary Biology that will allow you to deepen your knowledge in this area, and, should you wish, you can continue to an Advanced Diploma with the opportunity of independent research. You may want to explore genetics further and take our  Certificate in Genetics, which can be combined with the Certificate in Evolutionary Biology to make the award of the Certificate of Higher Education in Genetics and Evolution. . Please see the biological and life sciences webpage.

Credit awarded by the Institute can be transferred into the degree programmes of some other higher education providers. The amount of credit which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Entry requirements 

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course but as it is taught at university level applicants should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

English language requirement: If English is not your first language, you need to be able to prove you meet the University of Cambridge English language requirements on application. Please refer to our English language requirements pages for further information. 

Technical requirements 

For the 2023-2024 Academic Year this course is being taught remotely. The course will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through the use of video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), along with your own self-directed study. There will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge. You should, however, aim to attend the synchronous teaching sessions.  

To successfully engage with the course you will need to have access to: 

• the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device.  
• speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material 
• a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available 

The tuition fee for the course is £2,750.

 You can pay in two ways:

• in full on enrolment by credit or debit card 
• in three equal instalments (credit/debit card only): the first on enrolment, the second on 1 January and the third and final instalment on 1 April. The exact dates will be confirmed in the student’s individual booking details.

Please note, your place on the course is not secured until payment is received by the Institute of Continuing Education accompanied by any necessary documentation, i.e. proof of English language proficiency.

ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy 

Information on sources of funding, bursaries and Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) 

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified one week after the application deadline if the course is not going to be running at which point students will be offered to transfer their application to another course or receive a refund of the fees they have paid so far (please see our ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy). 

Applying

Please apply via the link at the top of this page. Your application will be assessed and you will be notified of the outcome by email. If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay. Please note that places are limited and on a first-come first-served basis.

Closing date for applications

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on Monday 4 September 2023. If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees or if paying fees by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

If you would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, please contact the Academic Director, Dr Tom Monie: tpm22@cam.ac.uk.