Emergence of Life: From Primordial Earth to Modern Biology

This module introduces the course, the instructor, and the learning environment. It includes course overview, syllabus, and guidelines for discussions and assignments.

This module discusses historical and philosophical approaches to scientific research, tools for scientific reasoning, and the formation of Earth. It covers the scientific worldview, philosophical benchmarks, geological time, and early Earth conditions.

This module explores the emergence of life on Earth, focusing on Carl Woese's work on molecular phylogeny and the Tree of Life.

This module focuses on the interpretation of ancient fossilized life, including fossilization processes, modes of preservation, and the study of invertebrates. It also covers the Ediacaran fauna and fossil feeding modes.

This module discusses the Cambrian Explosion, the development of skeletons, and the evolution of invertebrates and vertebrates. It covers the Burgess Shale, fish evolution, and the cycles of radiation and extinction in the Phanerozoic.

This module explores the evolution of plants and their transition to land, as well as the emergence of terrestrial vertebrates. It covers prevascular and vascular plants, the rise of reptiles, and the Permian-Triassic extinction event.

This module focuses on the Mesozoic era, including the rise of dinosaurs, the evolution of flight, and the end-Cretaceous extinction event. It covers symbiosis, diapsid reptiles, pterosaurs, and the impact of global warming.

This module explores the radiation and diversification of mammals during the Cenozoic era. It covers mammalian anatomy, taxonomy, primate evolution, and early hominid development in the context of global environmental changes.

This module focuses on astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life. It covers NASA's astrobiology roadmap, Mars exploration missions, and future space exploration plans. The module concludes with a synthesis of the entire course.