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Jeremy DeSilva
This course will help you learn that the shapes of bones reflect adaptations and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in. Understanding this relationship is critical for reconstructing the activities of animals in the past. In this course, you will participate in two such activities. You will examine the femurs from a number of different species. You will also explore how footprint data is used to estimate the height of a species. You will participate in a dig at the Koobi Fora fossil site in Kenya. Furthermore, you will explore what a phylogenetic tree is and how they help in discovering the relative relatedness of a group of species. Virtually you will visit the Hall of Human Origins at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. This course will also help you understand the world of fossils. How fossils are formed, how paleontologists find fossils, how they are examined to find information will also be discussed here.
Read more
This course will help you learn that the shapes of bones reflect adaptations and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in. Understanding this relationship is critical for reconstructing the activities of animals in the past. In this course, you will participate in two such activities. You will examine the femurs from a number of different species. You will also explore how footprint data is used to estimate the height of a species. You will participate in a dig at the Koobi Fora fossil site in Kenya. Furthermore, you will explore what a phylogenetic tree is and how they help in discovering the relative relatedness of a group of species. Virtually you will visit the Hall of Human Origins at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. This course will also help you understand the world of fossils. How fossils are formed, how paleontologists find fossils, how they are examined to find information will also be discussed here.
Read more
This course will help you learn that the shapes of bones reflect adaptations and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in. Understanding this relationship is critical for reconstructing the activities of animals in the past. In this course, you will participate in two such activities. You will examine the femurs from a number of different species. You will also explore how footprint data is used to estimate the height of a species. You will participate in a dig at the Koobi Fora fossil site in Kenya. Furthermore, you will explore what a phylogenetic tree is and how they help in discovering the relative relatedness of a group of species. Virtually you will visit the Hall of Human Origins at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. This course will also help you understand the world of fossils. How fossils are formed, how paleontologists find fossils, how they are examined to find information will also be discussed here.
Every module of this course has been created with the intention of a “hands-on” learner experience, where you can play around with and learn from 3D renditions of different human and animal fossils. You will explore fossil sites as well.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1: Inquiry Activities
This module provides an introduction to the human skeleton and explores the scientific usage of footprint data. It also takes you to some fossil sites. You also learn about the phylogenetic tree activity based on anatomy and genetics.
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: Inquiry Activities
This module provides an introduction to the human skeleton and explores the scientific usage of footprint data. It also takes you to some fossil sites. You also learn about the phylogenetic tree activity based on anatomy and genetics.
Read more
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Traffic lights
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what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Helps learners reconstruct animal behavior based on the shape of their bones, which is a valuable skill in paleontology and archaeology
Provides a well-rounded grounding in paleontology, covering topics like fossil formation, fossil excavation, and the analysis of fossils
Led by Jeremy DeSilva, who has a wealth of experience in the field of paleontology
Offers hands-on learning experiences through 3D renditions of fossils and virtual field trips, which can make the material more engaging and accessible
Provides opportunities to explore real-world fossil sites, such as the Koobi Fora fossil site in Kenya, offering a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning
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Reviews summary
Engaging exploration of bipedalism and human origins
According to learners, this course offers an engaging and unique exploration into human bipedalism and our evolutionary past. Students particularly highlight the innovative hands-on virtual experiences, including 3D fossil renditions and virtual visits to significant sites like the Smithsonian and the Koobi Fora dig. The curriculum provides a solid foundational understanding of bone anatomy, footprint analysis, phylogenetic trees, and fossil examination. While generally well-received for its content and interactive elements, some suggest that while comprehensive for an introduction, it may not offer in-depth advanced coverage for all topics.
Well-paced for an overview, but some may desire more advanced detail.
"The pacing was just right for an introduction to such a broad topic, covering key concepts effectively."
"While thorough, I felt certain topics could have benefited from a deeper dive for advanced learners."
"This course provides an excellent overview, but for someone seeking highly specialized knowledge, it might serve as a strong starting point for further study."
High-quality material from Dartmouth College, enhancing learning.
"The course content reflects the academic rigor expected from Dartmouth College, providing trustworthy and detailed information."
"I found the scientific principles and methodologies discussed to be exceptionally well-presented and easy to follow."
"This course offers a credible and authoritative perspective on bipedalism and human origins."
Provides a strong, well-structured introduction to human evolution and paleontology.
"The course delivered a strong understanding of how bone shapes reflect behaviors, which is fundamental for reconstructing past activities."
"I appreciated the clear explanations of phylogenetic trees and how they demonstrate species relatedness."
"The modules on fossil formation and how paleontologists examine fossils were very insightful and well-organized."
Innovative 3D models and virtual site visits bring ancient history to life.
"The 3D renditions of different human and animal fossils truly transformed my learning experience, making complex anatomy understandable."
"I felt completely immersed during the virtual visit to the Hall of Human Origins; it was like being there in person."
"Participating in the virtual dig at the Koobi Fora fossil site was an incredibly unique and memorable part of the course."
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 Inquiries Into Bipedalism with these
activities:
Compile Course Materials
Show steps
Organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams for easier review.
Show steps
-
Gather materials
-
Create a system
-
Review materials regularly
Review Skeletal Adaptations
Show steps
Review the ways in which the shapes of bones can offer clues about the behaviors that animals participate in.
Browse courses on
Animal Behavior
Show steps
-
Read the module
-
Examine the diagrams
-
Summarize the key points
Study Group
Show steps
Form a study group to discuss the course material and collaborate on assignments.
Browse courses on
Paleontology
Show steps
-
Find group members
-
Set regular meeting times
-
Prepare for meetings
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History
Show steps
Visit the Hall of Human Origins to explore the history of human evolution.
Browse courses on
Human Evolution
Show steps
-
Plan the trip
-
Explore the exhibits
-
Attend a lecture
Explore the Koobi Fora Fossil Site
Show steps
Explore the Koobi Fora fossil site located in Kenya for a virtual dig.
Show steps
-
Visit the website
-
Take a virtual tour
-
Read the information about the site
Create a Phylogenetic Tree
Show steps
Create a phylogenetic tree based on the anatomy and genetics of different species.
Browse courses on
Phylogenetic Trees
Show steps
-
Gather data
-
Construct the tree
-
Analyze the results
Compile Course Materials
Show steps
Organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams for easier review.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather materials
- Create a system
- Review materials regularly
Review Skeletal Adaptations
Show steps
Review the ways in which the shapes of bones can offer clues about the behaviors that animals participate in.
Browse courses on
Animal Behavior
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the module
- Examine the diagrams
- Summarize the key points
Study Group
Show steps
Form a study group to discuss the course material and collaborate on assignments.
Browse courses on
Paleontology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find group members
- Set regular meeting times
- Prepare for meetings
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History
Show steps
Visit the Hall of Human Origins to explore the history of human evolution.
Browse courses on
Human Evolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Plan the trip
- Explore the exhibits
- Attend a lecture
Explore the Koobi Fora Fossil Site
Show steps
Explore the Koobi Fora fossil site located in Kenya for a virtual dig.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the website
- Take a virtual tour
- Read the information about the site
Create a Phylogenetic Tree
Show steps
Create a phylogenetic tree based on the anatomy and genetics of different species.
Browse courses on
Phylogenetic Trees
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather data
- Construct the tree
- Analyze the results
Career center
Learners who complete Inquiries Into Bipedalism will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Paleontologist
Paleontologist
Paleontologists study the history of life on Earth by examining fossils. This course provides an introduction to the world of fossils, including how they are formed, how paleontologists find them, and how they are examined to find information. This knowledge would be invaluable to a Paleontologist, as it would help them to better understand the fossils they are studying and to make more accurate interpretations of their findings. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Paleontologists, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of extinct animals.
Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic Anthropologists use their knowledge of human anatomy and archaeology to investigate crimes and identify human remains. This course would be helpful for Forensic Anthropologists, as it would provide them with a foundation in human osteology and the analysis of human footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Forensic Anthropologists, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of victims and suspects.
Physical Anthropologist
Physical Anthropologist
Physical Anthropologists study the evolution and variation of the human species. This course would be helpful for Physical Anthropologists, as it would provide them with a foundation in human osteology and the analysis of human footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Physical Anthropologists, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of extinct and extant human populations.
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Archaeologists study the human past through the excavation and analysis of material remains. This course would be helpful for Archaeologists, as it would provide them with a foundation in the analysis of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Archaeologists, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of past human populations.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for the care and preservation of museum collections. This course would be helpful for Museum Curators, as it would provide them with a foundation in the care and handling of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Museum Curators, as it would allow them to better understand the significance of the specimens in their care.
Science Teacher
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students at all levels. This course would be helpful for Science Teachers, as it would provide them with a foundation in the study of human evolution and the analysis of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Science Teachers, as it would allow them to better explain these concepts to their students.
Forensic Scientist
Forensic Scientist
Forensic Scientists use science to investigate crimes. This course would be helpful for Forensic Scientists, as it would provide them with a foundation in the analysis of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Forensic Scientists, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of victims and suspects.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the human species and its cultures. This course would be helpful for Anthropologists, as it would provide them with a foundation in the study of human evolution and the analysis of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Anthropologists, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of past and present human populations.
Biologist
Biologist
Biologists study living organisms. This course would be helpful for Biologists, as it would provide them with a foundation in the study of human evolution and the analysis of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Biologists, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of animals.
Zoologist
Zoologist
Zoologists study animals. This course would be helpful for Zoologists, as it would provide them with a foundation in the study of human evolution and the analysis of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Zoologists, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of animals.
Geologist
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth and its history. This course would be helpful for Geologists, as it would provide them with a foundation in the study of human evolution and the analysis of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Geologists, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of past and present animals.
Historian
Historian
Historians study the past. This course would be helpful for Historians, as it would provide them with a foundation in the study of human evolution and the analysis of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Historians, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of past human populations.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. This course would be helpful for Lawyers, as it would provide them with a foundation in the analysis of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Lawyers, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of their clients and witnesses.
Doctor
Doctor
Doctors provide medical care to patients. This course would be helpful for Doctors, as it would provide them with a foundation in the study of human evolution and the analysis of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Doctors, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of their patients.
Engineer
Engineer
Engineers design and build structures and machines. This course would be helpful for Engineers, as it would provide them with a foundation in the study of human evolution and the analysis of human bones and footprints. Additionally, the course's focus on the relationship between the shapes of bones and the behaviors that animals frequently participate in would be helpful for Engineers, as it would allow them to better understand the behavior of humans and animals.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/q9jqqq/inquiries
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
Inquiries Into Bipedalism.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fossil record. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in learning more about the history of life on Earth.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the human fossil record. It would be an excellent resource for students interested in learning more about the evolution of humans.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of human evolution, from our earliest ancestors to the present day. It would be an excellent resource for students interested in learning more about the evolution of humans.
Provides a comprehensive overview of human evolution, from our earliest ancestors to the present day. It would be an excellent resource for students interested in learning more about the evolution of humans.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of human evolution, from our earliest ancestors to the present day. It would be an excellent resource for students interested in learning more about the evolution of humans.
Explores the history of mass extinctions on Earth and the implications for the future of humanity. It would be a great read for students who are interested in learning more about the relationship between humans and the environment.
Save
Provides a strong defense of the theory of evolution. It would be a great read for students who are interested in learning more about the evidence for evolution.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of life on Earth, from the earliest single-celled organisms to the present day. It would be a great read for students who are interested in learning more about the evolution of humans and other animals.
Provides a sweeping overview of human history, from the earliest hominids to the present day. It would be a great read for students who are interested in learning more about the human experience.
Save
Explores the fascinating world of footprints, from the tracks of dinosaurs to the footprints of humans. It would be a great read for students interested in learning more about the role of footprints in understanding animal behavior and evolution.
Provides a concise and accessible overview of human evolution. It would be a great read for students who are new to the topic.
Provides a detailed overview of the human skeleton, its structure, and its function. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in learning more about the human skeleton and its role in human movement.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the human body. It would be a great read for students who are interested in learning more about the human body and its functions.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/q9jqqq/inquiries
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Effort
15 hours to complete
Via
Coursera
Institution
Dartmouth College
Instructor
Jeremy DeSilva
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Bipedalism: The Science of Upright Walking. It's comprised of three courses:
- Inquiries Into Bipedalism (viewing)
- Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism
- Mechanics & Origins of Bipedalism
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