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Emergence of Life
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.
Duration
7 Months
Institution
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Format
Online
Eligibility Criteria
school
Academic Foundation
A recognized Bachelor’s degree or high school equivalent required for admission into University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
language
Language Proficiency
English proficiency required. IELTS, TOEFL, or standard medium-of-instruction certificates accepted.
Detailed Fees Breakdown
Base Tuition Fee
$295
Total Est. Investment
$295
Scholarships and early-bird waivers may apply. Contact admissions for exact institutional fees.
Academic Trajectory
Program Outcome
Graduates of the Emergence of Life program at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are equipped with global perspectives, ready to excel in international markets and top-tier career opportunities.