This is is an introduction to the study of fossils.  Fossil preservation, distribution and peleoecology are considered.  Particular emphasis is placed on the fossil record as evidence of organic evolution on planet earth.  Laboratory will include specimen identification.  Two field trips are required.  Transfer credit: CSU, CU.

Recommendation for taking this course are satisfactory completion of the English Placement Process or ENGL 52 or equivalent with a grade of Credit or "C" or higher and satisfactory completion of the Math Placement Process or MATH 40 or equivalent with a grade of Credit or "C" or higher.

To view the syllabus for this class, click on Spring Semester above.  To view the schedule for that class, click on the ticket number from the syllabus.

In this class you can expect to learn about the many forms of life that have existed in the past and how they have changed through time. We will discuss Evolution, or change through time. Going to any museum will show you that life has change through time. Since that is the definition of Evolution therefore Evolution is a fact. What is of considerable interest, however, is how life has changed and why.

As in any Paleontology class we will spend time on the identification of numerous life forms. With identification we will learn how they are classified. The initial classification of life forms was performed under the Linnaean system of classification. In this system, life forms that resembled each other were grouped together under increasingly larger groups. This implied that all life forms were related. This classification scheme was conceived and utilized by scientists who today would be referred to as Creationists.

Of major concern, and quite frankly of more interest, are the major milestones that life has passed through. Such questions as follows will be addressed. Why multi-celled life? Why did life move onto land? What lead to flight? What caused the great extinctions? And there are many more.

Our first question is concerned with the data we have that shows what ancient life forms looked like. It can be phrased as what is a fossil? Upon learning what fossils are, can we use them or other things found with them to determine the environment in which they lived or died? Can we recreate their lives? From these answers we can begin to look at the changes that have occurred over time and what impact those changes have had upon life forms in general.