Micropalaeontology

Description

This module offers a more vocational training in the uses of fossils by integrating industrial techniques together with uses of microfossils in microevolutionary studies and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.

The following themes are covered:

  • Ecology and geological history of major microfossil groups
  • The industrial/geological applications of different groups
  • Environmental reconstruction based on microfossil data from deep-time through to the Quaternary
  • Evolutionary studies on selected groups
  • Community change and methods of analysis

Use will be made of microscope facilities within GEES and a final session will introduce the scanning electron microscope facility.

Practical classes will introduce different groups (5 practicals) and the remaining will consist of student-led work on a mystery sample that requires analysis.

Delivery

  • Lectures: 16 hours
  • Practical classes: 30 hours

Assessment

2 hour written exam that will consist of three seen questions. The exam accounts for 60% of the module. The practical report has a word limit of 1000 words.

The major practical project will comprise of a sample which will require simple processing to extract the different microfossils contained within it. The student will:

  • Compile a species list
  • Discuss the age
  • Discuss factors such as environment of deposition, taphonomy, significance of the fossils found etc.

The report will utilise methodological techniques introduced from the practical sections. The report will account for 40% of the module.

Key skills

  • Report writing
  • Data collection and manipulation
  • Fossil identification and interpretation