Entry requirements

120 credits with at least 90 credits within Earth Sciences or Biology. The courses Principles of Palaeobiology (10 credits or 15 credits), Origin and early Evolution of Life (15 credits), Evolutionary organismal biology (15 credits) are recommended.

Learning outcomes

After passing the course the student should be able to

• explain the relationships, origin and evolutionary history of vertebrates
• explain changes in vertebrate diversity and faunal development through time, and mass extinctions
• work practically with fossil material
• collate, evaluate and present facts and theories from scientific publications
• make comparative critical analyses of palaeobiological datasets
• employ a scientific methodology by explaining principles, problems and research results, both verbally and in writing

Content

The origin and evolution of vertebrates with special reference to structure and function. Palaeobiology, ecology and palaeobiology of principal vertebrate groups. Relationships, diversification and extinction of vertebrate groups. Practical study methods for the identification and analysis of fossil material. Supervised individual research project which is presented verbally and in writing

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, practicals and a substantial individual project. Participation in seminars, group activities and practicals, and the individual project is compulsory. The course is given in English.

Assessment

The examination comprises the individual project (8hp) and satisfactory completion of the compulsory laboratory exercises, seminars and group activities (7 credits). Presentation of the individual project (verbal and written) will be arranged at the end of the course.