EESC3330 · Earth and Environmental Sciences
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
Paleobiology is the study of evolution based on Paleontology, the fossil record of life through geologic time. The course begins with the origins of life and early evolution during the Precambrian Eon, when all major domains of life were established. The rise of plants and animals, beginning about 500 million years ago, is followed by the study of macroevolution and patterns of evolution through time. Lecture emphasizes paleobiology and environmental evolution; laboratory provides direct observation of fossils including basic morphology and phylogeny. The class may include an extended weekend field trip to Nova Scotia to visit several fossil localities.
Course experience
Averages use the original five-point historical evaluation scale.
Organization
4.1 / 5
How well the course was organized
Challenge
4.4 / 5
How intellectually challenging students found it
Attendance
4.8 / 5
How necessary attendance was
Assignments
3.9 / 5
How helpful assignments were
Weekly effort
~3
hours per week
Estimated from the original workload response buckets. Individual sections may differ.
Instructor options
Ratings below reflect only recovered evaluations connected to this course.
Across time
Section-level results available in the recovered archive.
Spring 2024
1 sectionSpring 2022
1 sectionSpring 2020
1 section