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Bruce W. Fouke, Ph.D.

How did life emerge on Earth? How have life and Earth co-evolved through geological time? Is life elsewhere in the universe? Take a look through the 4-billion-year history of life on Earth through the lens of the modern Tree of Life!

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How did life emerge on Earth? How have life and Earth co-evolved through geological time? Is life elsewhere in the universe? Take a look through the 4-billion-year history of life on Earth through the lens of the modern Tree of Life!

This course will evaluate the entire history of life on Earth within the context of our cutting-edge understanding of the Tree of Life. This includes the pioneering work of Professor Carl Woese on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus which revolutionized our understanding with a new "Tree of Life." Other themes include:

-Reconnaissance of ancient primordial life before the first cell evolved

-The entire ~4-billion-year development of single- and multi-celled life through the lens of the Tree of Life

-The influence of Earth system processes (meteor impacts, volcanoes, ice sheets) on shaping and structuring the Tree of Life

This synthesis emphasizes the universality of the emergence of life as a prelude for the search for extraterrestrial life.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Orientation
In this module, you will become familiar with the course, your instructor, your classmates, and our learning environment.
Week 1 - Geological Time and the Nature of Science
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The week begins with a discussion of the historical and philosophical approaches that have been developed for the completion of scientific research, with the work of Professor Carl Woese evaluated as an example. The basic tools required for this type of scientific reasoning and the ability to overcome the challenging concepts of scale and complexity are then presented. Finally, we'll explore the dynamic formation of the Earth itself with respect to the environmental conditions present on the earliest and most ancient version of planet Earth.
Week 2 - The Tree of Life and Early Earth Environments
The advent of life on Earth came about as a result of a remarkable confluence of physical, chemical, and biological processes, all of which were intrinsically linked to rapidly changing early Earth environments. Within this context, cutting-edge approaches in molecular phylogeny by Professor Carl Woese revealed new understandings of the emergence of life and the possible distribution of life within the cosmos. All this and more will be explored in this week's lessons!
Week 3 - Fossilization and Precambrian Life-Earth Interaction
This week, you'll explore how scientists interpret ancient fossilized life, which yields remarkably detailed and complete reconstructions of the lifestyles of ancient organisms that have been deceased for hundreds, thousands, millions, and even billions of years. These reconstructions provide valuable information regarding the evolutionary success of organism morphology and lifestyle.
Week 4 - Paleozoic Life After the Advent of Skeletons
This week, you'll learn more about the Cambrian Explosion, which led to the development of external hard skeleton components at 542 million years before present. The initial successes of the invertebrates were shortly followed by the appearance of vertebrates with internal skeletons. Life then utilized these newfound evolutionary capabilities, beginning distinct cycles of radiation, diversification, and extinction, which define the three great Eukarya faunas of the Phanerozoic.
Week 5 - Paleozoic Plants, Reptiles, and the Transition to Land
In the early Paleozoic, plants evolved to leave the water and invade the terrestrial landscape. Following this transition, vertebrates emerged into land-based ecosystems, and Carbon Dioxide concentrations increased in the atmosphere. The greenhouse warming of the Earth propelled the success of both prevascular and vascular plants, as well as the related terrestrial radiation of the three lineages of the reptiles. This week, you'll also learn about the Permian-Triassic mass extinction and later environmental changes that opened the door to the rise of the diapsids.
Week 6 - Mesozoic Reign of the Dinosaurs and the Development of Flight
This week, you'll learn more about the Permian-Triassic extinction event, which caused more than 80% of life to go extinct. This opened vast swaths of ecological opportunity for radiation and diversification of life during the Mesozoic. You'll learn about symbiosis, which was widely utilized during this period, as well as the fascinating lineage of diapsid reptiles that rose to replace the synapsid predators of the late Paleozoic. We'll also discuss the rise of the dinosaurs, as well as the catastrophic meteor impact that drove the dinosaurs to extinction.
Week 7 - Cenozoic Mammals and Global Environmental Change
With the demise of the dinosaurs, mammals rapidly radiated and diversified during the Cenozoic. The combination of abundant food sources and significant fluctuations in global climate fostered extreme variations in morphology, body size, and interaction with the environment. You'll learn why mammals had a distinct advantage over previous groups, and you'll also have the opportunity to explore multiple theories on primate and hominoid evolution in the context of global conditions during this period.
Week 8 - Astrobiology and the Search for Life in the Cosmos
No matter where you are or what you believe, sometime in your life you will look up into the sky and ask: What is out there? Where are we going? Is there life elsewhere in the universe? This course is dedicated to searching for answers to these questions. The fundamental concepts of life and habitable environments, established upon the modern synthesis of the Tree of Life, will direct us in recognizing biospheres that might be quite different from our own. In the last week of this course, we will look in detail at what the future has in store for space exploration and the search for life in the cosmos.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the possibility of life beyond Earth, which is a crucial question in astrobiology
Taught by Bruce W. Fouke, a recognized expert in the field of astrobiology
Examines life through the lens of the Tree of Life, providing a comprehensive understanding of life's evolution
Surveys the history of life from the emergence of single-celled organisms to the diversity of life today
May require some background knowledge in biology and earth sciences
Covers a vast topic in a limited timeframe, so some concepts may be presented at a surface level

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Reviews summary

Informative emergence of life

Learners say this course covers a wide range of topics in biology, from the origins of life to astrobiology, in a way that is both engaging and informative. While this course is intended to be a journey through this subject matter, some learners note that it does not go into much detail outside taxonomy. The instructors are described as great, but one learner mentions that the course can be tiring due to assignments that can sometimes go beyond lecture material. Overall, students who took the course found it to be enjoyable and a good use of their time.
Great instructors
Informative and engaging course content
Tiring workload
"That is really difficult sometimes, and they should reorganize the course to fit the new platform better, hence 4 stars."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Emergence of Life with these activities:
Review basic biology concepts
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental biological principles.
Browse courses on Cell Biology
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbooks from previous biology courses.
  • Take practice quizzes or mock exams.
  • Attend a refresher workshop or online course.
Review 'The Vital Question'
Introduce foundational ideas that will be elaborated on throughout the course.
Show steps
  • Read the first three chapters.
  • Summarize the main arguments of each chapter.
  • Identify the key terms and concepts introduced in the book.
Participate in online discussion forums
Engage with classmates, share perspectives, and gain insights from diverse viewpoints.
Show steps
  • Join the course discussion forums.
  • Read and respond to posts regularly.
  • Ask questions, share ideas, and contribute to discussions.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice tree-thinking exercises.
Improve your ability to interpret and construct phylogenetic trees.
Browse courses on Tree of Life
Show steps
  • Use an online tree-thinking tool.
  • Practice building trees from given data.
  • Test your skills with interactive tree-thinking exercises.
Explore interactive simulations of geological processes and ecosystems
Visualize and understand complex Earth processes and ecological interactions.
Show steps
  • Find reputable websites or platforms offering interactive simulations.
  • Select simulations relevant to the course topics.
  • Follow the instructions and explore the simulations.
Volunteer at a local science museum or nature center
Get hands-on experience, engage with the public, and deepen your understanding of scientific concepts.
Show steps
  • Contact local science museums or nature centers to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Match your skills and interests to available volunteer roles.
  • Attend training and orientation sessions provided by the organization.
Create a timeline of major events in the history of life on Earth
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the temporal relationships between key events in the evolution of life.
Show steps
  • Research major events in the history of life on Earth.
  • Create a visual representation of the timeline, such as a chart or infographic.
  • Include key details for each event, such as the approximate date, location, and significance.
Participate in a science Olympiad or competition related to biology or earth science
Challenge your knowledge, apply your skills, and gain recognition for your abilities.
Browse courses on Biology
Show steps
  • Research upcoming science Olympiads or competitions.
  • Identify competitions that align with your interests and skills.
  • Form a team or work independently to prepare and participate.

Career center

Learners who complete Emergence of Life will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Paleontologist
A Paleontologist studies the history of life on Earth, using fossils and other geological evidence. This course, Emergence of Life, may be useful for building a foundation in paleontology, particularly in understanding the early history and evolution of life on Earth. The course's emphasis on the Tree of Life can also provide insights into the relationships between different organisms throughout geological time.
Paleobiologist
A Paleobiologist studies the history of life on Earth, using fossils and other geological evidence. This course, Emergence of Life, may be useful for building a foundation in paleobiology, particularly in understanding the early history and evolution of life on Earth.
Evolutionary Biologist
An Evolutionary Biologist studies the process of evolution, including the origin, diversity, and adaptation of species. This course, Emergence of Life, may be useful for building a foundation in evolutionary biology, particularly in understanding the early evolution of life on Earth.
Zoologist
A Zoologist studies the animal kingdom, including the behavior, physiology, anatomy, and classification of animals. This course, Emergence of Life, may be useful for building a foundation in zoology, particularly in understanding the history and diversity of animals on Earth.
Biologist
A Biologist studies the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This course, Emergence of Life, may be useful for building a foundation in biology, particularly in understanding the history and diversity of life on Earth.
Molecular Biologist
A Molecular Biologist studies the structure, function, and evolution of biological molecules, such as DNA and RNA. As this course, Emergence of Life, examines the molecular basis of life, it may be useful for building a foundation in molecular biology.
Botanist
A Botanist studies plants, including their structure, growth, reproduction, and classification. This course, Emergence of Life, may be useful for building a foundation in botany, particularly in understanding the history and diversity of plants on Earth.
Ecologist
An Ecologist investigates the interactions between organisms and their environment. As this course, Emergence of Life, examines the co-evolution of life and Earth, it may be useful for understanding the ecological principles that shape the distribution and abundance of organisms.
Geobiologist
A Geobiologist studies the interactions between Earth's geological and biological systems. As this course, Emergence of Life, examines the co-evolution of life and Earth, it may be useful for understanding the geological processes that shaped the emergence and evolution of life.
Science Teacher
A Science Teacher educates students in various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and physics. This course, Emergence of Life, may be useful for building a foundation in biology, particularly in understanding the history and diversity of life on Earth. The course's focus on the Tree of Life can also provide valuable insights for teaching about the relationships between different organisms.
Science Writer
A Science Writer communicates complex scientific information to the public. This course, Emergence of Life, may be useful for building a foundation in science writing, particularly in understanding the history and diversity of life on Earth. The course's emphasis on the Tree of Life can also provide valuable insights for writing about the relationships between different organisms.
Biochemist
A Biochemist investigates the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. As this course, Emergence of Life, delves into the chemical and biological processes involved in the emergence of life on Earth, it may be useful for understanding the fundamental principles of biochemistry.
Microbiologist
A Microbiologist studies microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. As this course, Emergence of Life, explores the origins and evolution of life on Earth, it may be useful for understanding the role of microorganisms in these processes.
Environmental Scientist
An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and its components, including the interactions between humans and the environment. This course, Emergence of Life, may be useful for understanding the history and impact of life on Earth's environment.
Astrobiologist
An Astrobiologist researches the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. This course, Emergence of Life, may be useful in providing foundational knowledge in astrobiology, particularly in understanding the emergence and evolution of life on Earth, as well as the search for life beyond our planet.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Emergence of Life.
Provides a provocative and challenging perspective on the origins of life, arguing that energy is the key to understanding the emergence of complex life.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible account of the current mass extinction event, and its implications for the future of life on Earth.
Provides a sweeping and thought-provoking account of the history of humanity, from our origins as a small band of hunter-gatherers to our current status as a globalized and interconnected species.
Provides a clear and accessible introduction to the theory of evolution, and its implications for our understanding of the natural world.
Provides a provocative and influential critique of religion, and its implications for our understanding of the world.
Provides a passionate defense of science and reason, and a warning against the dangers of superstition and pseudoscience.
Provides a fictionalized account of an astronaut stranded on Mars, and his struggle to survive.

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