Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles

  • 4.9
Approx. 9 hours to complete

Course Summary

Explore the fascinating world of ancient marine reptiles with this course. Learn about their evolution, anatomy, behavior, and extinction.

Key Learning Points

  • Discover the diversity of ancient marine reptiles and their adaptations to life in the ocean
  • Understand the latest research on the evolution and biology of these fascinating creatures
  • Gain insights into the impact of environmental change on marine reptiles and their ultimate demise

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the evolution and diversity of ancient marine reptiles
  • Gain knowledge of their anatomy, behavior, and ecology
  • Explore the factors that led to their extinction

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • Interest in marine reptiles and their biology
  • Basic knowledge of biology and evolution

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-paced

Similar Courses

  • Dinosaurs 101
  • The Rise of Mammals

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • David Attenborough
  • Neil Shubin

Related Books

Description

Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles is a four-lesson course teaching a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary changes that occur when air-breathing terrestrial animals return to water. This course examines the diversity, adaptations, convergence, and phylogenetic relationships of extinct marine reptiles. Students will explore three major groups of marine reptiles: ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs. Watch a preview of the course here: https://uofa.ualberta.ca/courses/paleontology-marine-reptiles

Outline

  • Introduction to Marine Reptiles
  • Course Preview Video
  • 1.1 Adaptations of Aquatic Tetrapods
  • 1.2 The Aquatic Problem - Part 1
  • 1.2 The Aquatic Problem - Part 2
  • 1.3 Classifying Aquatic Amniotes
  • Instructional Staff
  • Meet Your Presenter: Scott Persons
  • Course Glossary
  • Acknowledgements
  • Interactive Learning Objects
  • Lesson 1 Course Notes
  • Module 1 Assessment (Graded)
  • Ichthyopterygians
  • 2.1 Ichthyopterygian Diversity
  • 2.2 Ichthyopterygian Paleobiology - Part 1
  • 2.2 Ichthyopterygian Paleobiology - Part 2
  • 2.3 Stratigraphic Record of Ichthyopterygians
  • Lesson 2 Course Notes
  • Module 2 Assessment (Graded)
  • Sauropterygians
  • 3.1 Sauropterygian Diversity - Part 1
  • 3.1 Sauropterygian Diversity - Part 2
  • 3.2 Sauropterygian Paleobiology - Part 1
  • 3.2 Sauropterygian Paleobiology - Part 2
  • 3.3 Stratigraphic Record of Sauropterygians
  • Lesson 3 Course Notes
  • Module 3 Assessment (Graded)
  • Mosasauroids
  • 4.1 Mosasauroid Diversity - Part 1
  • 4.1 Mosasauroid Diversity - Part 2
  • 4.2 Mosasauroid Paleobiology - Part 1
  • 4.2 Mosasauroid Paleobiology - Part 2
  • 4.3 Stratigraphic Record of Mosasauroids
  • Lesson 4 Course Notes
  • Module 4 Assessment (Graded)

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the fascinating world of ancient marine reptiles with this engaging course on Coursera. Users have praised the course for its comprehensive coverage of the subject matter and expert instructors. However, some users have noted that the course can be challenging for beginners and that the quizzes can be difficult.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Comprehensive coverage of the subject matter

Pros from User Reviews

  • Expert instructors
  • Engaging lectures
  • Interactive quizzes
  • Access to additional resources
  • In-depth exploration of different species

Cons from User Reviews

  • Challenging for beginners
  • Quizzes can be difficult
  • Requires a significant time commitment
  • Limited opportunities for interaction with other students
  • Some technical issues with video lectures
English
Available now
Approx. 9 hours to complete
Michael Caldwell, Halle P. Street
University of Alberta
Coursera

Instructor

Michael Caldwell

  • 4.9 Raiting
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