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Alison Murray, Ph.D
Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution is a four-lesson course teaching a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates. Students will explore the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework. This course examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. Students also explore key Canadian fossil localities, including the Burgess Shale (British Columbia), Miguasha (Quebec), and Man On The Hill (Northwest Territories). Watch a preview of the course here: https://uofa.ualberta.ca/courses/paleontology-vertebrate-evolution
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What's inside
Syllabus
The Phanerozoic Begins
In this lesson we take you back to the beginning of the Phanerozoic Eon to learn what it truly means to have backbone, as we encounter the key anatomical features of vertebrates and their closest chordate relatives. We’ll also introduce the language of evolution – phylogenetics – as we examine some of the contenders for the title of ‘The Earliest Vertebrate’, and give you a crash course in sedimentology, so you can begin to piece together the spectacular environments that were home to our early aquatic ancestors. 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.
Read more
Syllabus
The Phanerozoic Begins
In this lesson we take you back to the beginning of the Phanerozoic Eon to learn what it truly means to have backbone, as we encounter the key anatomical features of vertebrates and their closest chordate relatives. We’ll also introduce the language of evolution – phylogenetics – as we examine some of the contenders for the title of ‘The Earliest Vertebrate’, and give you a crash course in sedimentology, so you can begin to piece together the spectacular environments that were home to our early aquatic ancestors. 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.
Read more
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Taught by Alison Murray, Ph.D, who is recognized for their work in the topic that the course teaches
Covers unique perspectives are ideas that may add color to other topics and subjects
Courses multi-modal and includes a mix of media, such as videos, readings, discussions, etc
Taught by Alison Murray, Ph.D, who are recognized for their work in the topic that the course teaches
If this explicitly requires learners to come in with extensive background knowledge first
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Reviews summary
Exploring early vertebrate evolution
According to learners, this course offers a largely positive introduction to the history and evolution of early vertebrates. Many found the content fascinating and well-structured, praising the clear explanations and the passion of the instructor. The focus on key anatomical features and major evolutionary transitions like the origin of fins, jaws, and limbs was particularly appreciated. While some noted the lectures could be dense at times, the overall consensus is that it provides a solid foundation in the subject, suitable for those with little or no prior background.
Pacing is generally good; difficulty is balanced.
"The pace felt just right, neither too fast nor too slow for covering the material."
"I thought the difficulty was appropriate for an introductory level course."
"The quizzes reinforced learning without being overly difficult."
"Pacing seemed fine, and the difficulty was reasonable."
Good introduction for those new to topic.
"As someone with no prior knowledge of paleontology, I found this course to be an excellent starting point."
"It provides a solid foundation and doesn't assume advanced prior learning."
"Good for beginners wanting an overview of early vertebrate history."
"Perfect for dipping your toes into paleontology without being overwhelmed."
Instructor's enthusiasm enhances learning.
"The instructor's passion for the subject really comes through and makes the lectures engaging."
"You can tell the professor is truly enthusiastic about paleontology."
"The instructor's delivery, while sometimes fast, was clearly driven by a love for the topic."
"His enthusiasm made the content more enjoyable."
Course is logically organized by topic.
"The course structure, moving through the different periods and evolutionary steps, felt very logical."
"Modules flowed well from one to the next, building knowledge progressively."
"The lessons were well-organized and easy to navigate."
"I thought the course was well-structured and easy to follow."
Instructor provides clear and concise explanations.
"The explanations for complex phylogenetic concepts were surprisingly clear."
"I appreciated how the instructor broke down complicated evolutionary steps into understandable parts."
"Concepts are explained clearly, making it easy to follow even without a background in paleontology."
"The lectures were very clear and easy to understand."
Topics are interesting and well-explained.
"I found the content absolutely fascinating, especially the sections on the evolution of jaws and limbs."
"The topics covered are truly interesting and make you appreciate the deep history of vertebrates."
"Really enjoyed learning about the ancient fishes and the transition to land."
"The subject matter is inherently captivating, and the course does a good job presenting it."
Information can be dense at times.
"Some lectures were packed with a lot of information, requiring multiple watches."
"The amount of detail in certain sections felt quite dense."
"Had to pause frequently to process all the new terms and concepts being introduced."
"Sometimes the info was dense, but overall manageable."
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: Early Vertebrate Evolution with these
activities:
Review basic vertebrate anatomy
Show steps
Review the basics of vertebrate anatomy to strengthen your foundation in the subject.
Show steps
-
Read through your notes or textbook chapters on vertebrate anatomy.
-
Draw diagrams of different vertebrate body systems, such as the skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system.
-
Take practice quizzes or tests on vertebrate anatomy to assess your understanding.
Participate in study groups with classmates
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the course material by collaborating with peers in study groups.
Show steps
-
Form or join a study group with classmates who share similar learning goals and schedules.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course topics, review lecture notes, and work on assignments together.
-
Take turns leading discussions, presenting summaries, or facilitating practice sessions.
Explore online tutorials on vertebrate evolution
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of vertebrate evolution by following guided tutorials that provide additional explanations and examples.
Show steps
-
Search for reputable online tutorials on vertebrate evolution, such as those provided by universities or scientific organizations.
-
Follow the tutorials attentively, taking notes and completing any interactive exercises provided.
-
Review the material covered in the tutorials and reflect on how it complements your understanding of the course.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve practice problems on vertebrate evolutionary relationships
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of vertebrate evolutionary relationships through repetitive practice.
Show steps
-
Obtain practice problems from the course materials, textbooks, or online resources.
-
Work through the problems independently, applying the concepts and techniques learned in the course.
-
Compare your solutions with the provided answers or discuss them with your instructor or peers to identify areas of improvement.
Create a timeline of key events in vertebrate evolution
Show steps
Solidify your knowledge of the sequence of events in vertebrate evolution by creating a visual timeline.
Show steps
-
Gather information from the course materials, textbooks, and scientific articles about the major events in vertebrate evolution.
-
Organize the events chronologically and select a suitable format for your timeline, such as a flowchart, infographic, or presentation.
-
Create your timeline, accurately depicting the sequence and relationships between the key events.
-
Review your timeline and make any necessary revisions or additions to ensure clarity and completeness.
Read 'Vertebrate Paleontology' by Michael J. Benton
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of vertebrate paleontology by reading a comprehensive textbook that provides in-depth coverage of the subject.
View
Vertebrate Palaeontology
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'Vertebrate Paleontology' by Michael J. Benton.
-
Read through the chapters relevant to the course topics, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
-
Complete the practice exercises or review questions provided in the book to test your understanding.
-
Engage in discussions or online forums to share your insights and learn from others' perspectives on the material.
Contribute to open-source projects related to vertebrate paleontology
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the field of vertebrate paleontology by participating in open-source projects.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Identify open-source projects related to vertebrate paleontology, such as fossil databases, visualization tools, or educational resources.
-
Review the project documentation and codebase to understand its goals and technical requirements.
-
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills and knowledge, such as data analysis, software development, or documentation writing.
-
Contact the project maintainers to discuss your ideas and offer your assistance.
Develop a research proposal on a topic in vertebrate evolution
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the research process and apply your knowledge of vertebrate evolution by developing a research proposal.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific topic in vertebrate evolution that interests you and aligns with your learning goals.
-
Conduct a literature review to gather background information and identify knowledge gaps.
-
Formulate a research question and develop a hypothesis or set of objectives.
-
Describe your proposed methodology, including data collection methods and analysis techniques.
-
Outline your expected outcomes and discuss the potential implications of your research.
Review basic vertebrate anatomy
Show steps
Review the basics of vertebrate anatomy to strengthen your foundation in the subject.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through your notes or textbook chapters on vertebrate anatomy.
- Draw diagrams of different vertebrate body systems, such as the skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system.
- Take practice quizzes or tests on vertebrate anatomy to assess your understanding.
Participate in study groups with classmates
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the course material by collaborating with peers in study groups.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form or join a study group with classmates who share similar learning goals and schedules.
- Meet regularly to discuss course topics, review lecture notes, and work on assignments together.
- Take turns leading discussions, presenting summaries, or facilitating practice sessions.
Explore online tutorials on vertebrate evolution
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of vertebrate evolution by following guided tutorials that provide additional explanations and examples.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable online tutorials on vertebrate evolution, such as those provided by universities or scientific organizations.
- Follow the tutorials attentively, taking notes and completing any interactive exercises provided.
- Review the material covered in the tutorials and reflect on how it complements your understanding of the course.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve practice problems on vertebrate evolutionary relationships
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of vertebrate evolutionary relationships through repetitive practice.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain practice problems from the course materials, textbooks, or online resources.
- Work through the problems independently, applying the concepts and techniques learned in the course.
- Compare your solutions with the provided answers or discuss them with your instructor or peers to identify areas of improvement.
Create a timeline of key events in vertebrate evolution
Show steps
Solidify your knowledge of the sequence of events in vertebrate evolution by creating a visual timeline.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information from the course materials, textbooks, and scientific articles about the major events in vertebrate evolution.
- Organize the events chronologically and select a suitable format for your timeline, such as a flowchart, infographic, or presentation.
- Create your timeline, accurately depicting the sequence and relationships between the key events.
- Review your timeline and make any necessary revisions or additions to ensure clarity and completeness.
Read 'Vertebrate Paleontology' by Michael J. Benton
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of vertebrate paleontology by reading a comprehensive textbook that provides in-depth coverage of the subject.
View
Vertebrate Palaeontology
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'Vertebrate Paleontology' by Michael J. Benton.
- Read through the chapters relevant to the course topics, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
- Complete the practice exercises or review questions provided in the book to test your understanding.
- Engage in discussions or online forums to share your insights and learn from others' perspectives on the material.
Contribute to open-source projects related to vertebrate paleontology
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the field of vertebrate paleontology by participating in open-source projects.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source projects related to vertebrate paleontology, such as fossil databases, visualization tools, or educational resources.
- Review the project documentation and codebase to understand its goals and technical requirements.
- Identify areas where you can contribute your skills and knowledge, such as data analysis, software development, or documentation writing.
- Contact the project maintainers to discuss your ideas and offer your assistance.
Develop a research proposal on a topic in vertebrate evolution
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the research process and apply your knowledge of vertebrate evolution by developing a research proposal.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific topic in vertebrate evolution that interests you and aligns with your learning goals.
- Conduct a literature review to gather background information and identify knowledge gaps.
- Formulate a research question and develop a hypothesis or set of objectives.
- Describe your proposed methodology, including data collection methods and analysis techniques.
- Outline your expected outcomes and discuss the potential implications of your research.
Career center
Learners who complete Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Paleontologist
Paleontologist
A Paleontologist is a scientist who studies the fossils of ancient organisms to reconstruct the history of life on Earth. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to study paleontology. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the history of life on Earth and for reconstructing the evolutionary relationships between different groups of vertebrates.
Vertebrate Zoologist
Vertebrate Zoologist
A Vertebrate Zoologist is a zoologist who studies vertebrates, which are animals that have a backbone. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to study vertebrate zoology. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of vertebrate life on Earth.
Evolutionary Biologist
Evolutionary Biologist
An Evolutionary Biologist is a biologist who studies the evolution of living organisms. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to study evolutionary biology. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Comparative Anatomist
Comparative Anatomist
A Comparative Anatomist is a biologist who studies the anatomy of different organisms to understand their evolutionary relationships. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to study comparative anatomy. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Natural History Museum Curator
Natural History Museum Curator
A Natural History Museum Curator is a museum professional who is responsible for the care and display of natural history specimens. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to work in a natural history museum. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Science Teacher
Science Teacher
A Science Teacher is a teacher who teaches science to students. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to teach science. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Science Writer
Science Writer
A Science Writer is a writer who writes about science for the general public. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to write about science. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
A Museum Educator is a museum professional who is responsible for educating the public about museum collections. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to work in a museum. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
An Environmental Consultant is a professional who provides advice to businesses and governments on environmental issues. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to work in environmental consulting. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Science Communicator
Science Communicator
A Science Communicator is a professional who communicates science to the general public. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to work in science communication. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Biologist
Biologist
A Biologist is a scientist who studies living organisms. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to study biology. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Zoologist
Zoologist
A Zoologist is a biologist who studies animals. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to study zoology. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Geologist
Geologist
A Geologist is a scientist who studies the Earth's physical features. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to study geology. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Ecologist
Ecologist
An Ecologist is a scientist who studies the interactions between organisms and their environment. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to study ecology. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
An Anthropologist is a scientist who studies human beings and their societies. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates, which is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to study anthropology. The course covers the diversity of Palaeozoic lineages within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework, and examines the evolution of major vertebrate novelties including the origin of fins, jaws, and tetrapod limbs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the evolution of vertebrates and for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/nzsoim/paleontology
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
Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of vertebrate life on Earth, from the earliest fish to the evolution of humans. It valuable resource for students and researchers in paleontology, biology, and geology.
Save
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the evolution of vertebrate nervous systems, covering the development, structure, and function of the nervous system in vertebrates. It would be a valuable resource for students taking this course as it provides a cutting-edge understanding of this important topic.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of vertebrate paleontology, covering the origin and evolution of vertebrates from the Cambrian period to the present day. It would be a valuable resource for students taking this course as it provides a solid foundation in the subject matter.
This classic textbook provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the evolution of vertebrates, from their origins in the Cambrian period to the present day. It valuable resource for students taking this course as it provides a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the evolution of fishes, from their origins in the Cambrian period to the present day. It would be a valuable resource for students taking this course as it provides a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Save
Provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the evolution of vertebrates. It valuable resource for students and researchers in paleontology, biology, and geology.
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the evolution of fishes, from their origins in the Cambrian period to the present day. It would be a valuable resource for students taking this course as it provides a solid understanding of the subject matter.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of vertebrates, covering their anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology. It useful supplementary resource for students taking this course as it provides a broad understanding of the subject matter.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of fishes, covering their anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology. It useful supplementary resource for students taking this course as it provides a broad understanding of the subject matter.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the comparative anatomy of vertebrates, covering their skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. It useful supplementary resource for students taking this course as it provides a solid understanding of the subject matter.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of vertebrate paleontology and evolution, covering the history of life on Earth, the fossil record, and the evolution of vertebrates. It useful supplementary resource for students taking this course as it provides a broad understanding of the subject matter.
Save
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the comparative anatomy, evolution, and distribution of vertebrates. It useful supplementary resource for students taking this course as it provides a broad understanding of the subject matter.
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of vertebrate paleontology and evolution. It valuable resource for students and researchers in paleontology, biology, and geology.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/nzsoim/paleontology
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 3-5 hours/week
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University of Alberta
Instructor
Alison Murray, Ph.D
Language
English
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