GE 146 Origin and Evolution of Life on Earth (Spring: 4)

Corequisite: GE 147
Satisfies Natural Science Core Requirement
The course makes extensive use of the Internet as a learning resource.
This course explores current theories about the origins of life, beginning with the original hypothesis of the Russian biochemist, A.I. Oparin. Darwin's theory of evolution is emphasized, but many different components of the Natural Sciences touch upon this topic. The course lectures include the study of the oldest fossils, life in extreme habitats, cellular biology, prebiotic molecules and the search for life on other planets. The one and a half hour lab/discussion section (GE 147) emphasizes both basic paleontology and environmental evolution including the study of fossils as a record of how life has evolved on Earth.
Paul K. Strother

Last Updated: 30-JAN-08