Module #1 Introduction to Paleobotany and Paleontology Overview of the fields of paleobotany and paleontology, importance, and historical background
Module #2 Plant Evolution and Fossilization Understanding plant evolution and the processes of fossilization, types of fossilization, and fossil preservation
Module #3 Types of Plant Fossils Exploring different types of plant fossils, including impression, compression, and permineralization fossils
Module #4 Paleobotanical Techniques Methods and techniques used in paleobotany, including fossil preparation, sectioning, and microscopy
Module #5 Early Land Plants The origin and diversification of early land plants, including Cooksonia and Rhyniophytes
Module #6 Devonian and Carboniferous Plant Evolution The evolution of plants during the Devonian and Carboniferous periods, including the rise of forests and modern plant groups
Module #7 Mesozoic Plant Evolution Plant evolution during the Mesozoic era, including the rise of conifers, cycads, and flowering plants
Module #8 Cenozoic Plant Evolution Plant evolution during the Cenozoic era, including the rise of grasses, modern plant communities, and human impact
Module #9 Fossil Record of Ancient Ecosystems Reconstructing ancient ecosystems using fossil evidence, including paleoclimate, paleoenvironment, and paleoecology
Module #10 Introduction to Paleontology Overview of the field of paleontology, including the study of fossils, evolution, and ancient life
Module #11 Fossil Classification and Systematics Understanding fossil classification, taxonomic principles, and phylogenetic analysis
Module #12 Invertebrate Fossils Exploring the fossil record of invertebrates, including mollusks, brachiopods, and echinoderms
Module #13 Vertebrate Fossils The fossil record of vertebrates, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals
Module #14 Microfossils and Micropaleontology The study of microfossils, including fossilized plankton, foraminifera, and other microscopic organisms
Module #15 Fossilization of Soft Tissues The preservation of soft tissues in fossils, including exceptional preservation and Burgess Shale-type fossils
Module #16 Paleoecology and Paleoecosystems Reconstructing ancient ecosystems using fossil evidence, including paleoenvironment, paleoclimate, and paleoecology
Module #17 Mass Extinctions and Evolutionary Radiations The role of mass extinctions and evolutionary radiations in shaping the history of life on Earth
Module #18 Computational Paleontology The application of computational methods and 3D modeling in paleontology, including geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic analysis
Module #19 Paleobotany and Paleontology in the Field Practical skills and techniques for collecting and identifying fossils in the field
Module #20 Paleobotany and Paleontology in the Laboratory Practical skills and techniques for preparing, analyzing, and interpreting fossils in the laboratory
Module #21 Contemporary Issues in Paleobotany and Paleontology Current debates and controversies in the fields of paleobotany and paleontology, including climate change and conservation
Module #22 The Intersection of Paleobotany and Paleontology with Other Sciences The integration of paleobotany and paleontology with other scientific disciplines, including geology, ecology, and evolutionary biology
Module #23 Fossil Record of Plant-Animal Interactions The fossil evidence of plant-animal interactions, including pollination, herbivory, and symbiosis
Module #24 Fossil Record of Ancient Environments Reconstructing ancient environments using fossil evidence, including paleoenvironment, paleoclimate, and paleoecology
Module #25 Fossil Record of Evolutionary Transitions The fossil evidence of major evolutionary transitions, including the origin of major groups and the evolution of complex traits
Module #26 Fossil Record of Ancient Ecosystem Disruptions The fossil record of ancient ecosystem disruptions, including mass extinctions, volcanic eruptions, and climate change
Module #27 Fossil Record of Human Evolution and Culture The fossil record of human evolution, including the discovery of early hominins and the development of human culture
Module #28 Fossil Record of Ancient Biomes Reconstructing ancient biomes using fossil evidence, including tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and tundra
Module #29 Fossil Record of Climate Change The fossil record of past climate change, including evidence of past temperatures, sea levels, and atmospheric composition
Module #30 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Paleobotany and Paleontology career
