Systematic Paleontology

GEOLOGY 4630

Systematic Paleontology is a new distance geology undergraduate course that introduces paleontological principles, biostratigraphy, paleoenvironments, the study of fossil invertebrates, microfossils, plants and palynology. 

The course focuses on fossil morphology, classification, and environmental relationships. Contributes to an individual through teamwork, oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking skills. Students taking this course will go on field trip to the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois.

Apply  Request Info

 

WEEK 1 

Chs. 1-3: The Fossil Record, Variation in Fossils, 
&  Species, Speciation & Systematics

WEEK 9 

Chs. 15-16: Bryozoans & Arthropods 
Lab 8: Bryozoans/Arthropods 
Lab Quiz 2

WEEK 2 

Ch. 4: Evolution & Extinctions 
Lab 1: Field & Microscopy Techniques

WEEK 10 

Chs. 17-18: Molluscs 
Lab 9: Molluscs

WEEK 3 

Chs. 5-6: Functional Morphology & Paleoecology 
Lab 2: Fossilization & Taphonomy

WEEK 11 

Chs. 19-20: Echinoderms 
Lab 10: Echinoderms

WEEK 4 

Chs. 7-8: Biogeography & Biostratigraphy 
Lab 3: Morphology/Paleoecology

WEEK 12 

Chs. 21: Hemichordates & Conodonts 
Lab 11: Hemichordates/Conodonts 
Exam 3

WEEK 5 

Ch. 9: Life’s Origin & Early Evolution 
Lab 4: Biostratigraphy 
Exam 1

WEEK 13 

Chs. 22-23: Vertebrates 
Lab 12: Vertebrates 
Lab Quiz 3 
Field Trip

WEEK 6 

Chs. 10-11: Micropaleontology 
Lab 5: Micropaleontology 
Lab Quiz 1

WEEK 14 

Chs. 24-25: Trace Fossils &  Paleobotany 
Lab 13: Trace Fossils

WEEK 7 

Chs. 12-13: Sponges, Archaeocyathans & Cnidarians 
Lab 6: Sponges/Archaeocyathans/Cnidarians

WEEK 15 

Ch. 26: Palynology 
Lab 14: Palynology

WEEK 8 

Ch. 14: Brachiopods 
Lab 7: Brachiopods 
Exam 2

WEEK 16 

Exam 4 
Lab Quiz 4 
Term Paper Due

 

 

Geosciences Courses

For information about other distance geology and geophysics courses, click here

Questions?

Contact Us

Globe with Arrow Icon

GLOBAL LEARNING

Our team is available to answer your questions about S&T’s distance education programs.

Student Support
Phone: 573-341-6591     
Toll Free: 1-877-678-1870

Email   Request Info

Geosciences and Geological and Petroluem Engineering

Academic Course Questions 
Dr. Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe 
Professor, Geology and Geophysics 

Phone: 573-341-6946

Email   Department Site