Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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GEOL 371 - Paleobiology


Description:
Using fossils in the geologic record to explore evolution and extinction, ancient ecology and environments, and the geographical distribution of plants and animals. BIOL 371 and GEOL 371 are cross-listed courses; students may not receive credit for both. Course will be offered on on odd numbered years (Winter).

Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: BIOL 181 or GEOL 101 or GEOL 103 or GEOL 107 or GEOL 108 or SCED 102.

Credits: (4)

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify, measure and describe common fossils and their morphology from examples.
  • Identify and differentiate methods of preservation of organisms in the rock record and distinguish biases of preservation.
  • Demonstrate how evolutionary processes, adaptation, and extinction relate to the history of life, diversity, and changing environments on Earth over geologic time.
  • Identify fossil content and rock type to interpret depositional environments and ecosystems.
  • Interpret and construct paleogeographic maps and use them to hypothesize and assess the distribution of fossil and modern organisms.
  • Relate paleobiological data to (1) major events and trends in the evolutionary history of plants and animals and (2) major global events and trends (tectonic, paleogeographic, paleoclimate).
  • Evaluate the adequacy of the fossil record for tackling a particular question, and assess the quality of hypotheses based on (limited) fossil data.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between processes and the timescales over which they operate.
  • Accurately apply and differentiate concepts of correlation and causality when interpreting data.
  • Use mathematical concepts and tools to analyze, evaluate, and present numerical data.
  • Practice effective oral, written, and graphic communication techniques.

Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
3/15/18

Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:



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