"In the absence of the guiding light of evolution, biology loses its essence..." A resonant voice echoed through the bustling multi-function hall. Stepping into the spotlight was Xu Xing, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), serving as the director of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology. Renowned as a paleontologist who has unearthed and christened an unparalleled number of dinosaurs worldwide.

On Sept 16, the expansive lecture hall was brimming with anticipation. Over a one hundred undergraduate students from Northwest University's Department of Geology and the School of Cultural Heritage were captivated by Academician Xu Xing's discourse.

This wasn't just any lecture; it marked the inaugural session of the elective course "Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origin," a collaborative effort between the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Northwest University.

Following Academician Xu Xing's enlightening kickoff, the upcoming autumn semester of 2024 promises a stellar lineup of scholars such as Deng Tao, Fu Qiaomei, and Wang Xiaolin, alongside a cadre of promising young talents. They will delve into diverse topics ranging from "The Origin and Evolution of Vertebrates and Fish" to "Ancient DNA" and "Phylogenesis."

Hailing from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, these seasoned educators boast a wealth of teaching experience and groundbreaking research contributions, ensuring students are at the forefront of paleontological advancements.

Academician Xu Xing remarked, "For the first time, our institute has woven together various disciplines—zoology, botany, archaeology, and beyond—into a cohesive curriculum. By exploring human evolution, we've integrated fields like zoology, chemistry, and even information technology, underscoring the significance of interdisciplinary studies."

The primary challenge lies in distilling cutting-edge technological breakthroughs into digestible content for undergraduates, striking a balance between academic rigor and accessibility.

Through a fusion of scientific outreach and pioneering research, the scholars from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology have crafted innovative educational approaches. Their curriculum spans 500 million years, from the origins of fish to the emergence of ancient humans, encompassing fields from fossil records to genome science and environmental archaeology.

"This presents a golden opportunity for us to engage directly with esteemed experts, broaden our perspectives, and delve into the intricate tapestry of life's evolution," expressed Wu Jinqiu, a standout undergraduate from the Department of Geology.

As the "Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins" course unfolds seamlessly, the collaborative endeavor "Earth Planetary Science and Astrobiology" with the University of Hong Kong progresses harmoniously, propelling Northwest University's Department of Geology towards global prominence.

In Xi'an, Shaanxi province, the Department of Geology at Northwest University is poised to introduce more cutting-edge courses and achieve further academic milestones, solidifying its status as a world-class institution.