Nov 22, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25
GEOL 1400 - Dinosaurs and the Mesozoic
This course is an introduction to the systematics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, and extinction of dinosaurs and other Mesozoic life, as well as a review of the science of paleontology and basic Earth history during the Mesozoic including climate, geography, tectonics, mass extinctions, and other major geologic events. The course begins with an introduction to the sciences of paleontology and geology including an overview of the theories of plate tectonics and evolution, geologic time, relative and absolute age dating, and the fossil record. The history of the science of paleontology is explored as well as the different methods and techniques employed by modern paleontologists to ask and answer scientific questions about ancient life including dinosaurs. Additional topics focus on the physical, biological, and chemical conditions of the Mesozoic world and a general introduction to dinosaurs including their classification, anatomy, physiology, and behavior. The three major groups of dinosaurs, the Ornithischia, Sauropoda, and Theropoda, are discussed in detail in addition to other major components of Mesozoic ecosystems including marine reptiles, pterosaurs, mammals, insects, and plants. The course concludes with an overview of the evolution of terrestrial and marine ecosystems during the Mesozoic and the causes and effects of the end Cretaceous mass extinction.
Credit Hours: 3
OHIO BRICKS: Pillar: Natural Sciences
General Education Code (students who entered prior to Fall 2021-22): 2NS
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Course Transferability: OTM course: TMNS Natural Sciences
College Credit Plus: Level 1
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to explain basic terminology, concepts and methods of modern paleontology and geology.
- Students will be able to apply scientific methods of inquiry used in paleontology and geology to gather and analyze data and draw evidence-based conclusions related to geologic time, plate tectonics, sedimentary environments, and evolution.
- Students will be able to evaluate evidence-based scientific arguments related to plate tectonics, mass extinction, and evolution in a logical fashion and distinguish between scientific and non-scientific evidence and explanations.
- Students will be able to communicate how scientific findings in paleontology contribute to the modern world and knowledge of the natural world.
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