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Philip John Currie, PhD
Dino 101: Dinosaur Paleobiology is a 12-lesson course teaching a comprehensive overview of non-avian dinosaurs. Topics covered: anatomy, eating, locomotion, growth, environmental and behavioral adaptations, origins and extinction. Lessons are delivered from museums, fossil-preparation labs and dig sites. Estimated workload: 3-5 hrs/week.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/phbndf/dino
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What's inside
Syllabus
Appearance and Anatomy
This lesson covers the diversity in dinosaur appearances, and will be able to identify major features of the major groups of dinosaurs.
Read more
Syllabus
Appearance and Anatomy
This lesson covers the diversity in dinosaur appearances, and will be able to identify major features of the major groups of dinosaurs.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of dinosaur paleobiology
Covers diverse topics including anatomy, eating habits, locomotion, growth, environmental and behavioral adaptations, origins, and extinction of dinosaurs
Delivered by an experienced instructor, Philip John Currie, PhD, who is a renowned expert in dinosaur paleontology
Provides a strong foundation for understanding the history and evolution of dinosaurs
Useful for students, researchers, and enthusiasts interested in dinosaur paleobiology
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Reviews summary
Engaging intro to dinosaur paleobiology
According to learners, Dino 101 offers a broad and fascinating overview of dinosaur paleobiology. Many found the lectures presented by the instructor to be particularly engaging and enthusiastic, often delivered from unique locations like museums and dig sites which enhanced the learning experience. The course content covers a wide range of topics, from anatomy to extinction, making it an excellent introduction for beginners and enthusiasts. While the course provides a solid foundation, those seeking deep, technical detail might find it more of a comprehensive survey. The assessments seem designed to reinforce understanding of the core concepts.
Focus on breadth, not deep depth.
"While it covers many topics, it stays mostly at a high level. Don't expect incredibly deep dives."
"It's a fantastic introduction, but if you're looking for highly technical or advanced concepts, this might be too basic."
"I felt I got a great overview, but would need further study for more specialized knowledge."
Ideal for those new to the field.
"I had no prior background in biology or paleontology, but the course explained everything clearly."
"Perfect for anyone who loves dinosaurs and wants to learn the science behind them without needing a science degree."
"The material was challenging enough to be interesting but not so complex that it was overwhelming for a newcomer."
Instructor's passion is infectious.
"The instructor's passion for dinosaurs is obvious and made me even more excited about the subject."
"You can tell the professor genuinely loves this topic, which made the lectures much more enjoyable."
"His enthusiasm is contagious and really motivates you to learn more."
Broad coverage of key topics.
"This course covers so much ground, giving a great introduction to all the major areas of paleobiology."
"I feel like I got a really solid overview of dinosaurs, from their origins to their extinction."
"A great way to learn about dinosaur diversity, anatomy, and evolution."
Course delivery is captivating.
"I really enjoyed the lectures! The instructor is enthusiastic and makes the material come alive."
"Learning from museums and dig sites made the video lessons incredibly engaging and memorable."
"The way the topics were presented kept me hooked throughout the entire course. Very well done."
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 Dino 101: Dinosaur Paleobiology with these
activities:
Review Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of basic anatomy and physiology, which is foundational to studying dinosaur paleobiology.
Browse courses on
Anatomy
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbooks from previous biology or anatomy courses.
-
Complete online practice quizzes or exercises on basic anatomy and physiology concepts.
-
Attend a refresher workshop or lecture on basic anatomy and physiology.
Organize and Review Course Materials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention of course materials by organizing and reviewing your notes, assignments, and quizzes regularly.
Show steps
-
Gather all your course materials, including notes, assignments, and quizzes.
-
Organize your materials by topic or lesson.
-
Review your materials regularly to reinforce your learning.
Review Evolutionary Biology
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of evolutionary biology, which is essential for understanding dinosaur evolution and extinction.
Browse courses on
Evolutionary Biology
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbooks from previous biology or evolutionary biology courses.
-
Read articles or watch videos on recent advances in evolutionary biology.
-
Attend a lecture or presentation on a topic in evolutionary biology.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention of course material by joining a study group and engaging with peers.
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group with peers in the course.
-
Meet regularly with your study group to discuss course material, work on assignments, and prepare for exams.
-
Take turns leading discussions and presenting concepts to your peers.
Review Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of basic anatomy and physiology, which is foundational to studying dinosaur paleobiology.
Browse courses on
Anatomy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbooks from previous biology or anatomy courses.
- Complete online practice quizzes or exercises on basic anatomy and physiology concepts.
- Attend a refresher workshop or lecture on basic anatomy and physiology.
Organize and Review Course Materials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention of course materials by organizing and reviewing your notes, assignments, and quizzes regularly.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all your course materials, including notes, assignments, and quizzes.
- Organize your materials by topic or lesson.
- Review your materials regularly to reinforce your learning.
Review Evolutionary Biology
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of evolutionary biology, which is essential for understanding dinosaur evolution and extinction.
Browse courses on
Evolutionary Biology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbooks from previous biology or evolutionary biology courses.
- Read articles or watch videos on recent advances in evolutionary biology.
- Attend a lecture or presentation on a topic in evolutionary biology.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention of course material by joining a study group and engaging with peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group with peers in the course.
- Meet regularly with your study group to discuss course material, work on assignments, and prepare for exams.
- Take turns leading discussions and presenting concepts to your peers.
Career center
Learners who complete Dino 101: Dinosaur Paleobiology will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Paleontologist
Paleontologist
Paleontologists study the fossils of ancient organisms to learn about the history of life on Earth. They may work in museums, universities, or government agencies. This course's comprehensive overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their anatomy, eating habits, locomotion, growth, environmental and behavioral adaptations, origins, and extinction, would be very useful for a Paleontologist.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct scientific research in a variety of fields, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and geology. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their origins, evolution, and extinction, may be useful for a Research Scientist.
Naturalist
Naturalist
Naturalists study natural history and the environment. They may work in museums, parks, or other educational settings. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their anatomy, eating habits, locomotion, growth, environmental and behavioral adaptations, origins, and extinction, may be useful for a Naturalist.
Zoologist
Zoologist
Zoologists study the biology and behavior of animals. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their anatomy, eating habits, locomotion, growth, environmental and behavioral adaptations, origins, and extinction, may be useful for a Zoologist who studies reptiles.
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs for museums and other cultural institutions. They may work with a variety of audiences, such as children, adults, and families. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their anatomy, eating habits, locomotion, growth, environmental and behavioral adaptations, origins, and extinction, may be useful for a Museum Educator.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators oversee the collections of museums and historical societies. They may be responsible for acquiring, preserving, and exhibiting artifacts and specimens, such as dinosaur fossils. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their anatomy, eating habits, locomotion, growth, environmental and behavioral adaptations, origins, and extinction, may be useful for a Museum Curator.
Geographer
Geographer
Geographers study the Earth's surface and its human and natural features. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their paleogeography and plate tectonics, may be useful for a Geographer.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the human species and its cultures. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their evolution, origins, and extinction, may be useful for an Anthropologist who studies human evolution.
Ecologist
Ecologist
Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their environmental and behavioral adaptations, may be useful for an Ecologist who studies the evolution of ecosystems.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologists study the biology and behavior of wildlife populations. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their behavior and adaptations, may be useful for a Wildlife Biologist.
Science Communicator
Science Communicator
Science Communicators communicate science to the public. They may work for museums, science centers, or other organizations. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their anatomy, eating habits, locomotion, growth, environmental and behavioral adaptations, origins, and extinction, may be useful for a Science Communicator.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components, such as air, water, soil, and plants. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their environmental and behavioral adaptations, may be useful for an Environmental Scientist.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers write about science and technology for a variety of audiences. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other publications. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their anatomy, eating habits, locomotion, growth, environmental and behavioral adaptations, origins, and extinction, may be useful for a Science Writer.
Science Teacher
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students in schools and other educational settings. They may teach a variety of science subjects, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their anatomy, eating habits, locomotion, growth, environmental and behavioral adaptations, origins, and extinction, may be useful for a Science Teacher.
Geologist
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth's physical structure and history. They may explore for oil, gas, or other natural resources, or they may study the Earth's processes, such as plate tectonics and climate change. This course's overview of non-avian dinosaurs, including their origins and extinction, may be useful for a Geologist.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/phbndf/dino
Reading list
We've selected seven 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
Dino 101: Dinosaur Paleobiology.
Save
This comprehensive reference book on dinosaurs. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the latest research on dinosaurs.
Covers many of the same topics as Dino 101, but it does so in a more comprehensive and engaging way. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about dinosaurs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of dinosaur history. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the evolution of these extinct animals.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of dinosaurs. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the biology of these extinct animals.
Provides a concise overview of dinosaur history, biology, and extinction. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the basics of dinosaurs.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of pterosaur flight. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the evolution and behavior of these extinct animals.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of birds. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the evolution and behavior of these extinct animals.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/phbndf/dino
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Effort
12 weeks of study, 1-2 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Alberta
Instructor
Philip John Currie, PhD
Language
English
Transcripts
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