It is well understood that there is a lot to learn from the past. The new Undergraduate Minor in Paleontology in the College of Science (COS) takes the idea of geological history to a new level, rounding out science education for biologists, geologists, and earth scientists.

“There are only a few thousand paleontologists in the whole United States,” says Mark D. Uhen, assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences (AOES). “The minor here at George Mason University is the only one on the East Coast and one of the few in the nation.”

Uhen arrived at the college in 2009. He’s a world-renowned paleontologist in his own right who specializes in mammals of the Cenozoic Era, specifically whales.When he began teaching, he recognized that there was no vertebrate paleontology class. When AOES administrators reviewed all the available classes and the addition of vertebrate paleontology, they quickly recognized that they had something special to offer - a new minor.

Paleontology is the study of the history of life on Earth, and Uhen is quick to point out how biologists, geologists, and climatologists, as well as anyone interested in education, can benefit from this minor. “My current vertebrate paleontology class is split between biology and geology students,” he says. “Each group brings something unique to the class.The biologists look at ecology and fossil anatomy. The geologists look at what can be learned from the rocks that the fossils are found in and how species have evolved over millennia.The discussions and interactions between these two groups enhance how each looks at their own disciplines.”

And while Virginia may not be seen as a leading hot zone for fossil research compared to the western states, Uhen emphasizes that the school is next door to the Smithsonian Institution, which houses the world’s largest fossil whale collection and state-of-the art research facilities. Student field trips and a behind-the-exhibit look at the collection, as well as original research, are all part of this new minor.

“We’re excited to offer this new minor in the AOES department,” says Uhen. “Most people are first introduced to science as children when they learn about dinosaurs.This minor is a way to keep that early curiosity and passion alive.”