Human occupation of this planet has been confined to the amazingly brief, last sliver of geologic time. This course is an introduction to the immensity of deep time before our existence. The class explores how the history of gradual processes, exceptional events, and biotic evolution has shaped our world and, ultimately, us. Course topics include the fundamentals of earth materials, plate tectonics, and paleobiology. Preference to first- and second-year students. Laboratory and field trips.
Instructor: Professor Sunderlin
Contact hours: 3 lecture, 3 lab