Entry requirements

120 credits with 90 credits in earth science or biology. Principles of Palaeobiology 15 credits is recommended.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to

• describe key events in the evolution of life on Earth. In particular the biological and geological setting of the origin of life, the Precambrian evolution of life and the Cambrian explosion
• describe fossil representatives in the major groups of unicellular organisms including affinities, ecology and biochronology
• describe and evaluate the principal fossil faunas during the Precambrian-Cambrian transition including their distribution in time and space, together with their associated geochemical and tectonic events
• appraise and compare the different concepts concerning the early evolution of the major invertebrate phyla
• evaluate different techniques for dating the biological and geological events during the Precambrian-Cambrian
• collect and evaluate geological and palaeontological data in the field

Content

Theories about the origin of life, environmental evolution and aspects of astrobiology. Origin and diversification of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Palaeobiology and ecology of major groups of unicellular biota (bacteria and protists) and their evolution through time. Application in stratigraphy. The Proterozoic radiations of phytoplankton and heterotrophic protists. The Precambrian-Cambrian transition and the evidence for the origin of animals and nature of the Cambrian explosion. Origins of major terrestrial ecosystems.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, practicals and field course.

Assessment

Written examination (10 credits). Moreover, the compulsory seminars, practicals and field course must be approved (5 credits).

Other directives

The field course will cause costs for travel and accommodation for the student.