History of Life on Earth: Global Change in the Biosphere

Author Profile

William I. Ausich
,

ausich.1@osu.edu

Ohio State University
a

University with graduate programs, including doctoral programs

Summary

This a non-majors undergraduate course for students filling a general education requirement

Course Size:

31-70

Course Context:

This is an introductory course with either a basic geology or biology course as the prerequisite. It is required for certain science education programs. 90% of the students are from various humanities, social sciences, or business. This course has four lectures and one lab per week.

Course Goals:

Students should be able to understand how science is accomplished, testing multiple hypotheses with data, understand that evolution is the best explanation for life on Earth, appreciate our legacy of life on Earth and in this context, the responsibilites of stewardship for the future of our biosphere

How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

Lectures, lecture exams, laboratory exercises, films.