Life and Death Lessons from the Fossil Record
FYSEMR 52L
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
The fossil record offers a unique perspective on the history of Life on Earth. Although paleontology might remind us of grotesque bones, dusty museum cabinets, and quirky scientists who relish both of those things—or God forbid, Ross Geller from Friends—the knowledge derived from the fossil record affects our daily lives in ways that are not immediately apparent. From its natural history origins during the 19th century, paleontology has become a cornerstone of neo-Darwinian evolutionary thought, produced a detailed log of climate change, and sits at the center of a multi-billion-dollar business consumed by millions of people around the world, most likely yourself included.
This seminar will explore the rich world of paleontology and its bearing on human activities. You will learn how cutting-edge scientific research informs our understanding of the main processes that have influenced the evolution of Life on Earth for approximately four billion years, including episodes of global warming/cooling and mass extinction events. You will also gain insights into the socioeconomic impact of fossils, ranging from the seamless integration of charismatic extinct animals into culture and entertainment, to ethical and political quandaries resulting from the unregulated exploitation of these natural resources in conflict zones.
Finally, we will explore how technological advances blur the lines between science fiction and reality, allowing us to visualize diminutive, fossilized animal-like embryos from 600 million years ago, to the potential (and controversial) applications of gene editing to resuscitate extinct species such as the woolly mammoth and Tasmanian tiger.
NOTE: The seminar includes a fully funded paleontological day trip to Upstate New York and Western Massachusetts. Discover the geological history of the United States. Collect fossils from a Devonian reef, see evidence of ancient glaciers, and witness the official state fossil of Massachusetts.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
