Module GEOL2051: FOSSILS AND DYNAMIC STRATIGRAPHY OF THE BRITISH ISLES

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL2051: FOSSILS AND DYNAMIC STRATIGRAPHY OF THE BRITISH ISLES

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce the principles of palaeontology, to introduce the geologically important microfossil groups, to describe the geological history of the British Isles.

Content

• Taphonomy - processes that control the quality of the fossil record.
• Palaecology and processes that control the spatial distribution of organisms at the present day and in the past.
• Case studies of geologically important fossil groups - their palaeobiology, geological history and applications.
• Major events in the geological history of the British Isles related to plate tectonic processes.
• Local geology in a wider context.
• 3 dimentional structural geology of the British Isles.

Learning Outcomes

• To describe the processes that control the quality of the fossil record.
• To understand the processes that control the spatial distribution of organisms at the present day and in the past.
• To describe the main microfossil groups in terms of their palaeobiology, geological history and applications.
• To relate major events in the geological history of the British Isles to plate tectonic processes.
• To consider how these events are represented in the geology of the British Isles.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in geological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in ecological, biological and geochemical processes and their role in shaping the Earth.
• Appreciation of the 3 dimentional geology of British Isles.

• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on mix of laboratory and field projects.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply geological principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to synthesise information/data from a variety of sources.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret geological data.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in citation and appropriate use of the literature.
• Cross-section construction and geological map interpretation.

• Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms.
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
• Solve numerical problems using computer or non-computer techniques.
• Use the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information.
• Develop skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning (including independent working, time management).
• 3 dimentional interpretation of Earth structures.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is delivered through a flexible through a flexible mix of three-hour sessions comprising lectures and practical sessions, tutorial and fieldtrips.
• These are supported by handouts and directed reading.
• The continual part of the summative assessment will take place during the first term.
• Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

DUO quizes.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University