Earth & Life Evolution Course | Prof. Devapriya Chattopadhyay | IISER Pune
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 160 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Civil Engineering, Earth Sciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
The Evolution of the Earth and Life: A 12-Week Journey Through Deep Time
Have you ever wondered how our planet transformed from a molten ball of rock to the vibrant, life-filled world we know today? The story of Earth is an epic saga spanning 4.6 billion years, intricately woven with the story of life itself. This fascinating narrative is the focus of a comprehensive 12-week course, ‘The Evolution of the Earth and Life’, offered by the distinguished paleontologist Prof. Devapriya Chattopadhyay of IISER Pune.
About the Course and Instructor
This course provides an integrated and dynamic view of our planet, exploring it not as a static entity, but as an evolving system in constant interaction with the life it hosts. It is designed as an ideal introductory course for first-year BSc students specializing in Geology, Biology, Earth Science, or Environmental Science.
The course is led by Prof. Devapriya Chattopadhyay, an expert with an impressive academic journey. She completed her undergraduate and post-graduate studies in Geology from Jadavpur University and IIT Bombay, respectively, before earning her Ph.D. in Geology (Paleontology) from the University of Michigan, USA. With teaching and research experience at the University of West Georgia, IISER Kolkata, and now IISER Pune, Prof. Chattopadhyay brings a wealth of knowledge. Her research focuses on understanding how marine organisms respond to their environment over ecological and evolutionary timescales.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is perfectly suited for:
- 1st-year undergraduate students in science streams.
- Students with a background in higher secondary level Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Anyone with a curiosity about the planet's history, the origin of life, and the forces that have shaped the modern world.
A Week-by-Week Expedition Through Deep Time
The 12-week curriculum is a carefully structured journey from the formation of Earth to the present day. Here’s a glimpse of what you will explore:
| Week | Topic | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Historical Perspective | How our understanding of Earth's history developed. |
| Week 2 | Raw Materials | The fundamental building blocks of the planet. |
| Week 3 | Concept of Geologic Time | Understanding the immense scale of Earth's history. |
| Week 4 | Early Earth Processes | The violent and formative first billion years. |
| Week 5 | Archean Events | The development of the first continents and oceans. |
| Week 6 | Evidence of Life | Searching for and understanding the earliest life forms. |
| Week 7 | Proterozoic Events | The rise of oxygen and a more stable Earth. |
| Week 8 | Development of Metazoans | The explosion of complex, multicellular life. |
| Week 9 | Major Evolutionary Transitions | Key events like the move to land and their triggers. |
| Week 10 | Extinctions and Their Impact | Mass die-offs and how life recovers and radiates. |
| Week 11 | Cenozoic Climate & Biota | The age of mammals and shifting climates. |
| Week 12 | Stepping into the Anthropocene | The profound impact of human activity on Earth systems. |
Key Themes and Learning Outcomes
Throughout this course, you will delve into core scientific concepts that explain our world:
- The Interconnectedness of Systems: See how geology, climate, chemistry, and biology are not separate subjects but parts of a single, interacting Earth system.
- Deep Time Thinking: Develop the ability to comprehend and work with the vast scales of geologic time, from billions to millions of years.
- Evidence-Based Science: Learn how paleontologists and geologists decode Earth's history from rocks, fossils, and chemical signatures.
- Causes and Consequences: Understand the triggers behind major events like the Great Oxidation Event or the asteroid impact, and their lasting effects on the trajectory of life.
- The Human Era: Contextualize the current Anthropocene epoch, recognizing humanity's role as a powerful geological force.
Essential Reading and Resources
To complement the lectures, the course references several foundational textbooks, perfect for building a robust personal library in Earth sciences:
- Early Earth Systems by H. Rollinson
- Understanding Earth by J. Grotzinger and T. H. Jordan
- Earth Science by E. Tarbuck, F. Lutgens, and D. Tasa
- How to Build a Habitable Planet by C. H. Langmuir and W. Broecker
- History of Life by R. Cowen
Why This Course Matters Today
Studying the co-evolution of Earth and life is not just about the past; it’s crucial for our future. By understanding how the planet responded to extreme changes in climate, chemistry, and biology over eons, we gain invaluable insights into the resilience and fragility of the systems we depend on. This knowledge is fundamental for tackling modern challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management.
Embark on this 12-week journey with Prof. Devapriya Chattopadhyay to unravel the greatest story ever told—the story of our home, Earth, and the incredible tapestry of life it sustains.
Enroll Now →