EESC 1146 Origin and Evolution of Life on Earth
This course explores current theories about the origins of life, beginning with the original hypothesis of the Russian biochemist A.I. Oparin. Darwin's theory of evolution is emphasized, but many different components of the natural sciences touch upon this topic. The course lectures include the study of the oldest fossils, life in extreme habitats, cellular biology, prebiotic molecules, and the search for life on other planets.
Course overview
- Department
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Spring
Catalog details
- Satisfies core
- Natural Science
Requirements fulfilled
- University Core: Natural Science (All undergraduates)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.70 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 3.67 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Paul Strother | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 1–3 hrs/week | 25 of 38 |
| Spring 2025 | Paul Strother | 3.7 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 1–3 hrs/week | 32 of 36 |
| Spring 2024 | Paul Strother | 3.7 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 1–3 hrs/week | 54 of 76 |
| Spring 2023 | Paul Strother | 3.6 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 1–3 hrs/week | 83 of 112 |
| Spring 2022 | Paul Strother | 3.9 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.6 | 4.1 | ≤ 1 hr/week | 58 of 116 |