GEOL 106 - Dinosaurs

Credits: 5
An introduction to the biology, behavior, evolution, and extinction of the dinosaurs and the ancient world they lived in. Examines the history of how dinosaur have been studied and the ways that scientific ideas about dinosaurs have been formulated, tested, and changed over time. Includes the chance to examine fossils of dinosaurs, other prehistoric animals, and ancient plants.

Enrollment Requirement: Eligible for ENGL& 101 or instructor consent.

Satisfies Requirement: Natural Science
Course Fee: $5.00

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Describe and explain the Scientific Method and the basic terminology, principles, concepts, and theories of geology, biology, and paleontology as they apply to the study of dinosaurs.
Apply critical thinking, observations, and problem solving skills (in class) to accurately describe fossil samples, and use these observations to make and support interpretations linked to information presented in the class.
Illustrate a scientific understanding of the methods used to find and reconstruct dinosaur fossils and their environments, and of basic related scientific theories such as evolution.
Examine the history of paleontology in order to explain how and why theories about dinosaurs have changed through time as well as how scientific information is presented in popular culture.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with peers in making and supporting scientific interpretations.

Program Outcomes

Produce written interpretations of earth science materials.
Make geological inferences from newly presented materials.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.