Emergence of Life

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Course Overview

How did life emerge on Earth? How have life and Earth co-evolved through geological time? Is life elsewhere in the universe? Take a look through the 4-billion-year history of life on Earth through the lens of the modern Tree of Life! This course will evaluate the entire history of life on Earth within the context of our cutting-edge understanding of the Tree of Life. This includes the pioneering work of Professor Carl Woese on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus which revolutionized our understanding with a new "Tree of Life." Other themes include: -Reconnaissance of ancient primordial life before the first cell evolved -The entire ~4-billion-year development of single- and multi-celled life through the lens of the Tree of Life -The influence of Earth system processes (meteor impacts, volcanoes, ice sheets) on shaping and structuring the Tree of Life This synthesis emphasizes the universality of the emergence of life as a prelude for the search for extraterrestrial life.

Course FAQs

What are the prerequisites for 'Emergence of Life'?

Prerequisites for this continuing education class are set by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Most professional development online classes benefit from some prior knowledge. Please check the provider's page for specific requirements.

Will I receive a certificate for this CE class?

Yes, upon successful completion, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign typically offers a shareable certificate to showcase your new skills and fulfill your continuing education requirements.

How long does this online course take to complete?

Completion times for online continuing education courses vary. The provider's website will have the most accurate estimate of the time commitment needed.