GEO 103 - Introduction to Paleontology

5 Credits

Survey the field of paleontology including the geologic history of life on Earth, evolution and extinction of ancient life-forms, and the use of fossils to interpret and reconstruct past environments. This class is for anyone interested in fossils, including plants, invertebrate animals, and vertebrates such as dinosaurs and mammals.

Pre-requisite(s) MATH 081 or higher
Placement Eligibility Math 091 or higher
FeesGL

Quarters Typically Offered

Designed to Serve This is an introductory science course designed for the general student.
Active Date 2014-04-25

Grading System Decimal Grade
Class Limit 24
Contact Hours: Lecture 44 Lab 22 Worksite 0 Clinical 0 Other 0
Total Contact Hours 66
Degree Distributions:
AA

Science
Science Lab

Course Outline
1. The fossil record of life on Earth geologic time scale, biostratigraphy, taphonomy, quality of the record, extinction, evolution 2. Systematics classification and description of fossils 3. Microfossils microscopy, paleoecology, and identification of the major groups 4. Invertebrate Macrofossils paleoecology and identification of the major groups 5. Macrofossils of Vertebrates and their relatives paleoecology and identification of the major groups 6. Trace Fossils defining types, evidence for behavior of extinct organisms 7. Functional Morphology inferring function based on morphology of fossils 8. Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions using fossil assemblages and enclosing sedimentary rocks to infer paleoenvironment

Student Learning Outcomes
A working knowledge of the fundamentals of paleontology

Ability to continue on successfully in other science classes

An understanding the use of fossil data and characteristics of sedimentary rocks to interpret and reconstruct paleoenvironments including problems inherent to the use of patchy data.

Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method and express scientifically supported thinking.

Ability to use the metric system, compile quantitative data, construct plots or other graphics as appropriate to that data, make interpretations, and effectively communicate results.

Relevant division, department and program objectives.