2012 - 2013 Paleontology

Program Goals

• Students will appreciate the interrelationship between major events in the geological and biological past.
• Students will gain the methodological skill necessary to scientifically study unrepeatable events from the deep past.
• Students will understand the origins and evolution of biological diversity.
• Students will hone their critical and analytical thinking skills.
• Students will improve their ability to communicate complex original ideas.

Objectives

Paleontology is an interdisciplinary academic minor focused on the historical study of biological diversity. By drawing together courses from both biology and earth systems science, the paleontology minor is an excellent option either for students specifically interested in life of the past, or for students interested in how different branches of science approach the same complex problems. The curriculum prepares students for future work in paleontology, historical geology, or organismal biology, as well as providing a broad background in the natural sciences in general.

Program Requirements

An academic minor in paleontology requires the completion of 20 credit hours from the biology and earth systems science programs. Additionally, students must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA in the required courses.

Academic Minor in Paleontology