Principles of Palaeobiology
15 credits
Syllabus, Master's level, 1PA041
A revised version of the syllabus is available.
- Code
- 1PA041
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Biology A1N, Earth Science A1N
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 20 April 2015
- Responsible department
- Department of Earth Sciences
Entry requirements
120 credits with 90 credits in earth science or biology.
Learning outcomes
After completion of the course the student should be able to
- describe the principles of the nature of the fossil record, fossil preservation including exceptional preservation, phylogeny, evolution and classification from a palaeontological perspective
- describe the morphology of the major invertebrate fossil groups
- reconstruct the environment and ecology of selected invertebrate groups both in the laboratory and the field
- describe and evaluate the ecology of a field collection of fossils including the use of appropriate photographic, preparatory and microscopy techniques
- assess selected controversies in palaeobiology by reference to the scientific literature
Content
Nature of the fossil record. Principles of palaeobiology and evolution. Classification and phylogeny. Evolution and the fossil record. Biogeography. Palaeoecology. Practical work with fossils.
Instruction
Lectures, seminars, practicals and field course.
Assessment
Written examination (12.5 credits). Moreover, the compulsory seminars, practicals and field course must be approved (2.5 credits).
Other directives
The field course will cause costs for travel and accommodation for the student.