古生物學主要在闡述地球歷史中，各個階段生命現象的型態特徵、結構功能、親緣關係、生活習性、生理機能與地理分布，並藉由化石與岩層沉積特徵，推斷各地質年代的古氣候環境，探究生命的起源、演化適應與滅絕事件。古生物學堪稱是廣義生物學領域中，最具傳統與經典的學科。近年來，又隨著生命科學研究的發展與化石持續地累積發掘，不斷地發生新的證據推翻舊有的假說，不斷地衝擊與挑戰生物演化的理論。藉由本課程，能透過對時間軸的貫穿，逐一檢視地質史中所發生重大生物演化的事件，對於生命的演化歷程有更深入的瞭解。也對生命的現象產生更臻廣泛的認識。

Paleontology mainly explains the morphological characteristics, structural functions, kinship relationships, living habits, physiological functions and geographical distribution of life phenomena at various stages in the history of the earth. It also uses fossil and rock sedimentation characteristics to infer the paleoclimate environment of various geological ages and explore the origin, evolutionary adaptation and extinction events of life. Paleontology can be called the most traditional and classic discipline in the field of broad biology. In recent years, with the development of life science research and the continuous accumulation and excavation of fossils, new evidence continues to overthrow old hypotheses, constantly impacting and challenging the theory of biological evolution. Through this course, you can examine the major biological evolution events that occurred in geological history one by one through the timeline, and gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of life. It also provides a broader understanding of the phenomena of life.

1. Vertebrate Palaeontology, 2014, by Michael J. Benton., (Wiley-Blackwell; 4th edition) ISBN: 978-1-118-40755-4.
2. History of Life, 2013, by Richard Cowen., (Wiley-Blackwell; 5th edition) ISBN: 978-0-470-67172-6.
3. The Book of Life, 2001, Edited by Stephen Jay Gould, Ebury Hutchinson, London, ISBN: 0-393-32156-8.

1. Vertebrate Palaeontology, 2014, by Michael J. Benton., (Wiley-Blackwell; 4th edition) ISBN: 978-1-118-40755-4.
2. History of Life, 2013, by Richard Cowen., (Wiley-Blackwell; 5th edition) ISBN: 978-0-470-67172-6.
3. The Book of Life, 2001, Edited by Stephen Jay Gould, Ebury Hutchinson, London, ISBN: 0-393-32156-8.