Module #1 Introduction to Vertebrate Paleontology Overview of the field of vertebrate paleontology, its importance, and relevance to modern biology and earth sciences
Module #2 Vertebrate Characteristics and Evolution Defining characteristics of vertebrates, their evolution, and diversification
Module #3 Fossilization and Taphonomy The process of fossilization, factors affecting fossil preservation, and taphonomic analysis
Module #4 Vertebrate Fossil Record Overview of the vertebrate fossil record, including major groups and significant discoveries
Module #5 Jawless Vertebrates Early vertebrates, including hagfish, lampreys, and jawless fishes
Module #6 Jawed Vertebrates:Origin and Diversification The origin of jaws, early jawed vertebrates, and the radiation of fish-like vertebrates
Module #7 Early Tetrapods The transition from fish to tetrapods, early amphibians, and the origin of limbs
Module #8 Amphibians:Diversity and Evolution The evolution and diversification of modern amphibians, including frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians
Module #9 Reptiles:Origin and Diversification The origin of reptiles, their early radiation, and the evolution of key characters
Module #10 Turtles and Tortoises The evolution and biology of turtles and tortoises, including shell development and ecology
Module #11 Crocodilians and Phytosaurs The evolution and biology of crocodilians, phytosaurs, and their role in Mesozoic ecosystems
Module #12 Squamates:Lizards and Snakes The evolution and biology of squamates, including lizard and snake diversity, ecology, and adaptations
Module #13 Birds:Origin and Evolution The origin of birds from theropod dinosaurs, their early evolution, and the development of flight
Module #14 Bird Evolution and Diversity The radiation of modern bird groups, including morphology, behavior, and ecology
Module #15 Mammalian Origin and Early Evolution The origin of mammals, early mammalian evolution, and the development of key characters
Module #16 Mammalian Diversification The radiation of modern mammalian groups, including morphology, behavior, and ecology
Module #17 Primates and Human Evolution The evolution of primates, including the human lineage, and the fossil record of human evolution
Module #18 Vertebrate Paleontology and Biogeography The role of vertebrate fossils in understanding ancient biogeography and paleoenvironments
Module #19 Mass Extinctions and Vertebrate Evolution The impact of mass extinctions on vertebrate evolution, including the K-Pg extinction and its aftermath
Module #20 Computational Methods in Vertebrate Paleontology Introduction to computational methods, including phylogenetic analysis and morphometric techniques
Module #21 Vertebrate Paleontology and Conservation Biology The relevance of vertebrate paleontology to modern conservation biology and species preservation
Module #22 Case Studies in Vertebrate Paleontology In-depth examinations of significant vertebrate fossil finds and their scientific significance
Module #23 Current Research in Vertebrate Paleontology Overview of current research areas and debates in vertebrate paleontology
Module #24 Vertebrate Paleontology and Science Communication Effective science communication in vertebrate paleontology, including outreach and education
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Vertebrate Paleontology career
