BB67: History of Life (3 ECTS)

STADS: 460801

Level


Teaching period

Spring semester.

Teacher responsible
Email: dec@biology.sdu.dk

Timetable
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Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
None

Course introduction
This course will trace the history of life on Earth.

Expected learning outcome


Subject overview
The Earth was not always as it is today. Animals, which are so abundant in the modern world, have only populated the Earth for around 600 million years, or about 15% of Earth history. Before this time the evolution of life is largely a story of the evolution of bacteria. The course will explore the evolution of bacteria and highlight the relationship between bacterial evolution and the evolution of Earth surface chemistry. Thus, we will discuss how biological and geological process have interacted to yield the world we live in now. Particular attention will be paid to the events leading to evolution of animals, and the subsequent rapid expansion of animal life.

Literature

• Andy Knoll: Life on a Young Planet, Princeton University Press, 276 sider. Paperback version.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
Pass/fail based on an oral presentation. Internal evaluation by the teacher.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.

24 hours of lecture and 6 hours of discussion that may involve group or individual presentations.
Educational activities

Language
This course is taught in English.

Remarks
Course will be given in English.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.