ESCI 3000: Topics in Earth Sciences: Extinction in Space and Time
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
In-depth treatment of specific topics selected from one of the fields of the earth sciences. Section information text: Extinction has shaped life on Earth across billions of years and across every region of the planet. This course examines extinction through both time and space. Students will investigate how scientists reconstruct extinction events from the fossil record, explore the five major mass extinctions of Earth history, and analyze patterns of biodiversity loss during human history and the modern era. Geographic perspectives including island biogeography, habitat fragmentation, invasive species spread, and global climate change will be integrated throughout the course. The semester culminates in an examination of whether Earth is currently experiencing a sixth mass extinction.
Average GPA: 3.20
Grade distribution records: 222 students across 11 terms.
Grade distribution
| Grade | Students | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| A | 105 | 47.3% |
| B | 67 | 30.2% |
| C | 21 | 9.5% |
| D | 5 | 2.3% |
| F | 11 | 5.0% |
| W | 8 | 3.6% |
Based on 222 student grade records across 11 terms and 8 professors.
Instructors
- Patricia Fall 81 students, Average GPA 3.35
- Sandra Clinton 29 students, Average GPA 3.39
- Susan Levin 26 students, Average GPA 3.32
- Jake Armour 25 students, Average GPA 2.85
- William Garcia 25 students, Average GPA 2.92
- Daniel Crow 13 students, Average GPA 2.73
- Martha Eppes 12 students, Average GPA 3.33
- Trevor Pearce 6 students, Average GPA 2.80