Prerequisites: Students who have completed CHEM131/135, BSCI160/170, and GEOL100 or their equivalents. Recommended: Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (GEOL342) and Optical Mineralogy (GEOL423).

Everything we know about the origins and evolution of life comes from the geologic record: e.g., bones and shells, stromatolites, ancient DNA,and subtle variations in the chemical and isotopic composition of rocks. How do we read and interpret this record? And do we understand itsformation? Students will learn about the biological and abiological processes that determine what information is preserved in the textures and chemistries of rocks (taphonomy). They will also be introduced to the many methods that researchers use to read and interpret the rock record, from optical microscopy to column chemistry, and receive hands-on instruction in the examination of geologic specimens. They will read and dissect scientific research articles, as well as other media, across disciplines from biogeochemistry to archaeology and folkloric studies.