BI 330 (GO 330) - Paleobiology

Course Description: The study of the earth's past life, which will be examined in two parts: 1] an introduction to invertebrate and vertebrate paleontology that will focus on classification, relationships, and evolutionary history and 2] the uses of paleontological data in evolution, systematics, paleoecology and extinctions.

Credit Hours: 3:2:4

Learning Outcomes: Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• To be able to classify fossil specimens from the appropriate Kingdom down to Class or Order.
• To recognize the different methods of growth.
• Learn to distinguish the different types of preservation for fossils.
• Understand the differences in sampling for modern versus the fossil assemblages.
• Learn the origin of chordates, dinosaurs, and mammals.
• Be able to explain the function and significance of most parts of a fossil specimen.
• Understand how fossils indicate the paleoecology of the rocks.
• Learn the major mass extinctions of earth's history, their times, and their causes.
• Explain paleoclimates and how our Earth's climate has changed throughout its history.

Course Assessment: Exams, quizzes, projects, papers, participation, and assignments.

^ Back to the Top

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

University Resources