Logistics
General
This course focuses on four major macro-evolutionary transitions in the history of life: the evolution of tetrapods from fish, the differentiation of mammals and reptiles, the evolution of birds from dinosaurs, and the extraordinary evolution of whales from a terrestrial ancestor. The course emphasizes the importance of fossils to the reconstruction of these important events …
Instructor
INSTRUCTOR: Alexander Glass OFFICE: Old Chemistry Building Room 319 E-MAIL: alex.glass@duke.edu (this is the best way to get a hold of me) PERSONAL WEBSITE: Alexander Glass on Duke WordPress SAKAI COURSE ACCESS (SECONDARY): Class Website on Sakai WORDPRESS COURSE ACCESS (PRIMARY): Class Website on WordPress OFFICE PHONE: 684-6167 (leave a message if not there) OFFICE HOURS: …
Teaching Assistant
Alexander Wheatley Ph.D. Student in Earth and Ocean Science Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Office Location: Old Chemistry Building, Room 325 Office Hours: Wednesday and Friday, 2:30pm – 4:00pm E-mail: alexander.wheatley@duke.edu Office Phone: not available
Textbooks
Weekly reading assignments can be found under Schedule Clack, J. A. 2012. Gaining Ground: The Origin and Evolution of Tetrapods, Second Edition. Bloomington, Indiana University Press, 523p. Pickrell, J. 2014. Flying Dinosaurs: How Fearsome Reptiles Became Birds. New York, Columbia University Press, 215p. Thewissen, J. G. M. 2014. The Walking Whales: From Land to Water …
Grading Scheme
Grading: Your final grade will be based on three exams (30% each) given during regular class time, and class participation (10%). Final grade cut-offs will be established at the end of the course and are at the discretion of the instructor. Grades will be posted on Sakai gradebook. Students should regularly check their grades online. If …
Course Policies
Attendance and Missing Class: It is essential that you attend all of the lectures. Exams are based on the material covered in lecture. If you must miss three or more consecutive lectures due to illness or family emergency you MUST contact the instructor immediately (preferably before you miss class). Duke University has established procedures to …
Disability Accomodations
Disability Accommodation: Students with disabilities seeking special accommodations must contact the Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) to obtain appropriate support. See also http://www.access.duke.edu/students/staff.php
