We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Paleontology

Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds

Philip John Currie, Ph.D

4.9

Based on 1,520 ratings

, see reviews

Philip John Currie, Ph.D

Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds is a five-lesson course teaching a comprehensive overview of the origins of birds. This course examines the anatomy, diversity, and evolution of theropod dinosaurs in relation to the origin of birds. Students explore various hypotheses for the origin of flight. Watch a preview of the course here: https://uofa.ualberta.ca/courses/paleontology-theropod-dinosaurs

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

We found an offer that may be relevant to this course.

Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until July 22

Summer Sale

Unlock unlimited access to over 10,000 career-boosting courses, certificates, and programs with Coursera Plus

Take

40%

off

What's inside

Syllabus

Bird Anatomy

In Lesson 1, we explore the anatomy and adaptations of birds, and meet the Victorian scientists who first suspected the link between the terrible lizards and modern birds. In order to fly, birds have undergone a series of anatomical specializations that distinguishes them from other vertebrates. However, many of the most striking and anatomically unusual traits of birds originated over 230 million years ago with the very first theropod dinosaurs. Just a quick note before you get started: 'Palaios' is the Greek word for 'ancient', so palaeontology or paleontology is the study of ancient life. Both spellings are correct, with palaeontology used in Britain, and paleontology more common in the US.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for beginners, covering the topic from the very basics

Delivered by Dr. Philip John Currie, a leading paleontologist

Explores the relevance of theropod dinosaurs to the development of modern birds

Examines the evolutionary journey of dinosaurs and their transition into birds

Covers a diverse range of topics within the field of theropod dinosaurs

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Exploring theropod dinosaurs and bird origins

According to learners, the course "Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds" provides a highly engaging and expertly delivered exploration of the fascinating connection between dinosaurs and modern birds. Students frequently praise the instructor's deep knowledge and ability to make complex concepts like anatomy and evolution accessible and captivating. The course structure is seen as well-paced and logical, guiding learners through key theropod groups and historical shifts in scientific understanding, such as the 'Dinosaur Renaissance'. While the material is dense and requires focus, many find the detailed coverage and fascinating subject matter make it a rewarding educational experience, particularly for those with a passion for paleontology and natural history.

Content is packed with information, requiring focus.

"There's a lot of information, so be prepared to take notes and focus."

"While dense, the detail is what makes it so valuable."

"It requires concentration, but I found it incredibly rewarding to dive deep."

Ideal for anyone interested in dinosaurs.

"As a lifelong dinosaur fan, this course was perfect for me."

"Anyone with an interest in paleontology will love this."

"Highly recommended for enthusiasts or those wanting a solid introduction."

Course follows a logical, easy-to-follow structure.

"The course is very well organized, building concepts lesson by lesson."

"I appreciated the logical flow from early theropods to modern birds."

"Each lesson felt complete and easy to follow."

Subject matter is highly interesting and engaging.

"The course content on theropods and bird origins is absolutely fascinating."

"I was captivated by the material, especially the sections on the 'Dinosaur Renaissance'."

"Exploring the anatomical links between dinosaurs and birds was incredibly interesting."

Professor is knowledgeable and passionate.

"The professor is clearly an expert in the field and his passion shines through."

"I learned so much from the instructor; he explains things very well."

"His lectures were engaging and made complex topics understandable."

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 Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds with these activities:

Review Basic Biology

Show steps

Reviewing basic biology concepts helps strengthen the foundation for understanding dinosaur evolution and biology.

Browse courses on Biology

Show steps

Review notes or textbooks from previous biology courses.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
Focus on concepts such as cell structure, genetics, and evolution.

Explore Dinosaur Museum Exhibits

Show steps

Visiting a museum provides an immersive learning experience and allows students to see real dinosaur fossils.

Show steps

Find a dinosaur museum or exhibit near you.
Attend the museum and explore the exhibits.
Take notes on the information presented in the exhibits.
Ask questions to museum staff or docents.

Participate in a Dinosaur Art Contest

Show steps

Participating in an art contest provides an opportunity to express creativity and learn about dinosaurs.

Show steps

Find a dinosaur art contest online or in your community.
Create a piece of dinosaur-themed artwork.
Submit your artwork to the contest.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Participate in Dinosaur Discussion Forums

Show steps

Engaging in discussions allows students to share their knowledge and learn from others.

Show steps

Find a dinosaur discussion forum online.
Participate in discussions by posting questions, sharing information, and responding to others.
Be respectful of others' opinions and try to provide constructive feedback.

Volunteer at a Dinosaur Museum or Exhibit

Show steps

Volunteering at a dinosaur museum or exhibit provides hands-on experience and allows students to share their knowledge with others.

Show steps

Find a dinosaur museum or exhibit that offers volunteer opportunities.
Apply for a volunteer position.
Complete the necessary training.
Volunteer your time, assisting visitors and sharing your knowledge about dinosaurs.

Survey Scientific Literature

Show steps

Review a book that provides a comprehensive overview of dinosaurs.

View Dinosaurs on Amazon

Show steps

Choose a book on dinosaurs that interests you.
Read the book and take notes on the key points.
Write a summary of the book, highlighting the most important information.

Create a Dinosaur Timeline

Show steps

Creating a timeline of key events in dinosaur evolution helps visualize the vast span of time they existed.

Show steps

Research the major events in dinosaur evolution.
Choose a format for your timeline (e.g., a chart, a graph, or a video).
Create your timeline, including important dates, events, and key species.
Present your timeline to others.

Write a Dinosaur Report

Show steps

Composing a report on a particular dinosaur species aids in developing research and writing skills.

Show steps

Choose a dinosaur species to research.
Gather information about your chosen species from books, articles, and websites.
Organize your information into an outline.
Write your report, including information on the species' physical characteristics, habitat, diet, and behavior.

Career center

Learners who complete Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Paleontologist

Paleontologists study the history of life on Earth, including dinosaurs and birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of dinosaurs and birds. The course would also provide you with hands-on experience in fossil preparation and analysis, which would be helpful in your work as a Paleontologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Paleontologist

Zoologist

Zoologists study the biology of animals, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Zoologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Zoologist

College Professor

College Professors teach and conduct research in a variety of fields, including paleontology and ornithology. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of dinosaurs and birds. The course would also provide you with hands-on experience in fossil preparation and analysis, which would be helpful in your work as a College Professor.

See salaries and explore the career path for College Professor

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including paleontology and ornithology. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of dinosaurs and birds. The course would also provide you with hands-on experience in fossil preparation and analysis, which would be helpful in your work as a Research Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Museum curator

Museum Curators preserve and manage museum collections, which may include fossils or dinosaur specimens. Taking this course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would give you a strong background in the field and help you to better understand the significance of the collection. This course would also provide you with knowledge of the evolutionary history of birds, which would be helpful in interpreting and presenting the collection to the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the biology and behavior of wild animals, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the ecology and conservation of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Wildlife Biologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans and other organisms, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the ecology and conservation of birds, which would be helpful in your work as an Environmental Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Museum Educator

Museum Educators teach about museum collections to the public, which may include fossils or dinosaur specimens. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong background in the field and help you to better understand the significance of the collection. This course would also provide you with knowledge of the evolutionary history of birds, which would be helpful in interpreting and presenting the collection to the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

Science Writer

Science Writers write about science for the general public. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of dinosaurs and birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Science Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Science Teacher

Science Teachers teach science to students of all ages, including biology, which may include dinosaurs and birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of dinosaurs and birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Science Teacher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Veterinarian

Veterinarians care for the health of animals, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Veterinarian.

See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian

Animal Trainer

Animal Trainers train animals to perform specific tasks, such as hunting, performing, or assisting people with disabilities. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as an Animal Trainer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Trainer

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Wildlife rehabilitator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Rehabilitator

Zookeeper

Zookeepers care for animals in zoos and other captive settings, including birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as a Zookeeper.

See salaries and explore the career path for Zookeeper

Avionics Technician

Avionics Technicians install, maintain, and repair avionics systems on aircraft, which may include birds. This course on Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds would provide you with a strong foundation in the field and help you to better understand the evolution of birds. The course would also provide you with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of birds, which would be helpful in your work as an Avionics Technician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Avionics Technician

Reading list

We've selected 17 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 Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds.

Dinosaurs

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of dinosaurs, including their anatomy, physiology, behavior, and evolution. An excellent reference for students and general readers alike.

Paleontology

Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Exploring theropod dinosaurs and bird origins

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses