EESC 3335 Topics in Geobiology
Geobiology is broadly concerned with the dynamic interface between biology and geology as deduced from Earth's 4-billion-year rock record. This years topic will focus on Paleobotany and Palynology - the evolution of photosynthesis and the fossil record of cyanobacteria, algae and plants, those organisms primarily responsible for the generation of the modern-day atmosphere. The course starts with an introduction to historical geology and Precambrian life, followed by the evolutionary biology of photosynthetic life in terrestrial and marine environments through geologic time. Students taking this course should gain a deeper appreciation of the influence of biological evolution on the composition and dynamics of todays atmosphere.
Course overview
- Department
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Biannually in the Spring
Catalog details
- Prerequisites
- Two years of college work or permission of the instructor.
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.25 / 5 · Good
- Instructor rating
- 3.50 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 1
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | Paul Strother | 3.3 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.8 | ≤ 1 hr/week | 4 of 6 |