Natural Sciences 191CNS21 - FYS - Our Place/HistoryofEarth

This course traces the evolution of our own species from our immediate human ancestors, through the beginnings of vertebrate life. What makes us similar (or different) to other vertebrates? The course tackles this question in two different ways. Firstly, we will gain an understanding of our own evolutionary history: what were some of the major transitions that impacted the trajectory of human evolution from humble beginnings in ancestral seas, through numerous mass extinctions, to the rise of human civilization. Here we will learn the intricacies of biological evolution to analyze why the world is so diverse. Secondly, we will discuss our current impact on the planet and the implications for sustaining the future biodiversity of life. This component of the course allows students to discover the various political, societal, and economic factors associated with living on planet Earth.

Open to Natural Sciences Freshman with a declared major or on the Natural Sciences Exploratory Track.