Jul 05, 2025  
Rensselaer Catalog 2025-2026 
    
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Rensselaer Catalog 2025-2026
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ERTH 2160 - Introduction to Geobiology

This course focuses on the co-evolution of life with Earth’s systems and targets students in Earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics. Topics include the emergence and early evolution of life on Earth, the environmental limits of life, microbial and metabolic evolution; the role of life in moderating global elemental cycles; earliest records of life; evolution of photosynthesis and the Great Oxidation Event; fossilization and evolution of complex life; mass radiations, mass extinctions, and global changes.

Prerequisite: None, however ERTH 1100  is recommended but not required.

When Offered: FALL TERM ANNUALLY

Cross Listed: BIOL 2160 . A student cannot get credit for both ERTH 2160 and BIOL 2160 .

Graded: GRADED

Credit Hours: 4


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