The student will understand the processes that shape the fossil record and the
concept of biases in the fossil record.  The student will understand the interactions
between organisms and their interactions with their environment as recorded in the
fossil record and facies associations.  Students will understand the history of
life's diversity as it is shaped by processes of extinction and radiation.  Expected
learning outcomes: Extensive laboratory exercises focusing on applied and theoretical
aspects of paleontology including critiques, debates, essay exams and other term
assignments or projects as needed.  This course is also a writing intensive course,
and students will learn to write critiques and two short scientific project reports
based on field work with feedback from both the professor and writing instructor. 
Overall, student will have an excellent grasp of facies and fossils, scientific
analytical skills, and writing skills.

I. The Nature of the Fossil Record: Overview
II.  Biases in the Fossil Recod: Taphonomy 
III.  Techniques that Paleontologist Use to Examine the Fossil Record
III. Origin of Life Controversies
IV.  Endosymbiosis and Diversification of Eukaryotes
V.   Was Their a Cambrian Explosion of Life Forms? Debate
VI. The Great Paleozoic Radiation
VII.  End-Paleozoic Mass Extinction
VIII. Mesozoic Ecological Revolution: Escalation or Status Quo?
VIII. Cretaceous/Tertiary Mass Extinction
IX.   Cenozoic Revolution in Invertebrates
X. Paleoecology and Recognition of Major Invertebrate Fossils
XI.  Environmental Analysis (Facies) and Fossils
XII. Macroevolutionary Dynamics including extinction and radiation

One field trip to coastal Georgia to examine modern traces and modern organisms in
relation to sedimentary environments, and another field trip to northwest Georgia to
apply knowledge of fossils in the interpretation of environments and time.

Students are expected to attend class.  If you miss more than three classes
without an excused medical emergency or related work or other problem, I will
withdraw you from the class.  If you miss any exams, you will not be able to make
them up unless you have a verifiable medical or related excuse.  Field trips are
strongly recommended as class projects are based on them. Students are expected to
uphold the UGA Honor Code (www.uga.edu/ovpi).  Students with difficulty in learning
need to make arrangements with the professor within two weeks of the beginning of the
course.  If a student perceives they have difficulty in learning, they can be tested
at the Learning Disabilities Center (542-4589) and bring the appropriate paperwork to
the professor.