Critical Steps in the Evolution of Earth and life, 7.5 credits

The concept Earth System Science is introduced. This is followed by some critical events in the evolution of Earth and life. Among these are theories about the origin of life, the Cambrian explosion, how life conquered the continents, and the five big mass extinctions. The course ends with climate history, how climates changed from a warm greenhouse world to the present icehouse world that began 34 million years ago. Re-exams may be held on campus.