GEO 1040      Introduction to Dinosaurs



Credits:   3.0

Taught by:   Jerry D. Harris

Semesters offered:   Fall and Spring

Formats:   Classroom

General education requirements fulfilled:   PS - Physical Science

Prerequisites:   None

Fee:   None

Course Description:

An introductory science course that utilizes dinosaurs, a popular subject matter, as an avenue to teach students basic principles of geology, biology, physics, chemistry, and astronomy, with some basic math (algebra and trigonometry). Successful completion of this course will enable a student to understand science and scientific concepts and their applications in a multitude of disciplines. This course is intended for non-science majors, but science majors are also welcome.

Utah is one of the richest areas in the world, geologically and paleontologically speaking, with many examples of basic geological and paleontological processes and materials easily accessible, and it is my intention to enable you to understand and appreciate what you see in the area.

Course Objectives:

This course utilizes dinosaurs to introduce you to many aspects of physical science. Scientific disciplines that will be covered, to varying degrees, include geology, biology, physics, chemistry, astronomy, and zoology. By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
  • understand the basis of physical sciences in general and communicate scientific ideas via written and/or oral assignments
  • demonstrate knowledge of, and have an appreciation for
       the internal and external processes on Earth today;
       basic anatomy, evolution, systematics, and other biological processes;
       ecology and ecosystems through time;
       the Mesozoic world and its inhabitants
  • apply basic principles to understand the ancient world and how it relates to the modern world;
  • integrate and apply information learned in lecture and exercises in the field.


Required Materials
Notes packet
Optional: Textbook: The Evolution and Extinction of Dinosaurs, 2nd Ed. by D.E. Fastovsky and D.B. Weishampel Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-81172-4