Environmental and Evolutionary Palaeobiology

Description

This 10 credit module will permit students to develop their year 1 experience in palaeontology by introducing the process of evolution, taphonomy, palaeoecology and palaeobiogeography.

In addition to providing an introduction to these themes, the module aims to provide a guide to the current ‘hot topics’ such as lagerstätte palaeobiology.

The central theme of the course is uncovering the relevance of the fossil record, as well as revealing how the record is preserved in the first instance.

This includes an examination of modes of fossil preservation, particularly soft tissue preservation, as well as an introduction to the techniques of palaeoecology and palaeobiogeography.

Taught components will be complemented by a lab based project addressing shallow marine palaeoenvironments and biotas of the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation evaluating environmental change based on the combination of sedimentological and palaeontological data.

Delivery

  • 11 hours lectures
  • 6 x 2 hour practical classes

Assessment

  • 1.5 hour unseen examination (60%). Essay style - 1 question from each of 2 sections
  • Practical project (40%) comprising lab notes (20%) and summary report (20%)

Key skills

  • Keeping methodical Laboratory/Practical records (workbook supplied)
  • Report writing – effective summary of practical data
  • Time management