Re: Geo or Bio?

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Date
"Paleobiology" at Cornell University, traditionally taught by someone from
the geosciences but cross listed in geology and biology (evolution &
systamatics), this year drew 13 biology majors and 2 geology majors.  The
most obvious advantages to cross-listing in biology are dramatically
increased enrollment and the education of students who otherwise might have
overlooked paleontology during their careers as biologists.  It is also
conceivable that, designed well, there might be opportunities for some
profitable interaction between biology and geology majors who might
otherwise think they have little in common.  The disadvantage in this case,
in which the course is offered to advanced level undergrads and to grad
students, is that the geology students and biology students are so
different in their backgrounds: nearly every new concept must be prefaced
with background material that either the biologist or geologist group is
lacking.  This makes lectures slower and more awkward.

Rob Ross

>Dr. Poulton makes a good point. Could people who have experience with
>cross-posting their courses please describe its advantages and
>disadvantages?
>
><poulton@gsc.NRCan.gc.ca> wrote (9/10/97),
>>The placement of paleo in either geology or biology departments would seem to
>>have some importance, considering anecdotal evidence that cross-posting paleo
>>courses offered by geology departments in some universities in the biology
>>departments has significantly increased enrolments and allowed for new
>>staffing. Another factor would be the individual attitudes of managers in
>>each department, suggesting that opportunities arise where there is a
>>favorable climate.
>
>Andrew K. Rindsberg                     Telephone (205) 349-2852
>Curator, Paleontological Collection     Telefax (205) 349-2861
>Geological Survey of Alabama            <arindsberg@ogb.gsa.tuscaloosa.al.us>
>P.O. Box O
>Tuscaloosa, AL 35486-9780, USA



-----------------------------------------------
Robert M. Ross
Director of Education
Paleontological Research Institution
1259 Trumansburg Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
U.S.A.
phone 607 273 6623 ext 18
FAX 607 273 6620
e-mail rmr16@cornell.edu