Are you fascinated by the majestic creatures that once roamed the Earth? Do you find yourself dreaming about the time when dinosaurs ruled the land? Well, get ready to embark on an exciting journey through time as South Louisiana Community College introduces its newest class, "Dinosaurs" (GEOL-1103), taught by Dr. Brian Steffen.
Dr. Steffen has an extensive academic background and brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. With a Bachelor of Science degree in geology, a Master of Science degree in geology, and a Ph.D. in biology, he is well-equipped to guide students on an awe-inspiring exploration of the Mesozoic Era.
“The course is just an introduction to dinosaurs in general,” explains Dr. Steffen. “We cover the entire Mesozoic Era, spanning 251 million years ago to 66 million years ago, from a world-wide perspective.”
The focus of the course will cover various dinosaur groups. Dr. Steffen takes a global approach, immersing students in their fascinating world. He says the class will explore related topics such as evolutionary theory, paleoecology, and mass extinctions, offering students a holistic understanding of the era.
Why should you consider taking this class? According to Dr. Steffen, many students will be drawn to the class out of a deep-rooted interest in dinosaurs. Students who have already taken GEOL-1010 can also fulfill their science requirements by enrolling in “Dinosaurs” GEOL-1103, making it an excellent opportunity for all science enthusiasts.
“I hope students have a better understanding of the Mesozoic Era in general, not just the dinosaurs themselves. I want students to appreciate how the modern world is both different and similar to the world the dinosaurs lived in,” says Dr. Steffen.
The class is lecture based and Dr. Steffen ensures an engaging and captivating experience for all students. His favorite dinosaur? He has a soft spot for the ceratopsians, the group that includes the iconic Triceratops.
“I like to think of them as the Mesozoic’s version of modern rhinos.”
What about his favorite dinosaur movie? The blockbuster Jurassic Park takes the crown. Dr. Steffen marvels at the film's portrayal of the Tyrannosaurus rex, matching his own mental image of the legendary creature. However, he warns against trying to recreate the movie in the real world.
“I’m not opposed to genetic engineering technologies, including cloning. However, if dinosaurs can be cloned, I am not sure that technology should be used to develop a captive population to be put on display—like the Jurassic Park series of movies. I’m not interested in that kind of exploitation.” He adds, “Birds are the evolutionary descendants of dinosaurs. I know there is interest in discovering what genetic changes transpired to produce a bird from a reptilian dinosaur ancestor. I do support that kind of research.”
So, are you ready to take a giant leap into the past and uncover the mysteries of the Mesozoic Era? Enroll in GEOL-1103 at SLCC and let Dr. Brian Steffen be your guide as you traverse the epic world of dinosaurs. Unleash your inner paleontologist and embark on an educational adventure that will transport you back in time like never before!