Module GEOL2301: Ancient Life and its Environment

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL2301: Ancient Life and its Environment

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• This research-led module will train students in scientific research methods, critical thinking, communication and evaluation.
• Participants will be introduced to the principles and practice of reconstructing ancient life, and will learn to infer interactions between life and its environment from the fossil record, on both ecological and evolutionary timescales.

Content

• Systematics – describing the classifying fossils as species and higher taxonomic groups.
• Taphonomy – processes that control the quality and character of the fossil record.
• Palaeoecology, and processes that control the diversity and spatial distribution of organisms at the present day and in the past.
• Functional morphology – elucidating the function of structures in extinct organisms.
• Ichnology – reconstructing ancient behaviour from trace fossils.
• Phylogenetics – placing organisms in an evolutionary context.
• Research frontiers – student-directed analysis and discussion of current research.

Learning Outcomes

• Through research-led learning students will develop a depth of knowledge and research skills in the palaeontology, including palaeobiology and palaeoecology, and of more general applicability. The module particularly emphasizes skills that are relevant to independent research and written communication, preparing students for future dissertation-style learning opportunities.
• Applications of fossils in understanding Earth history.
• Statistical tools in quantitative palaeobiology.
• Palaeontological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
• Processes that control the quality of the fossil record.

• Taxonomic classification
• Quantitative palaeoecology
• Characterising populations and communities
• Evaluating and understanding the quality of data and research
• Writing a scientific report

• Discovery, synthesis and understanding of information
• Communication of novel findings to peers and end-users
• Structure and clarity in written communication
• Independent critical analysis
• Adaptable, flexible, innovative and creative approaches to work and problem solving
• Ability to set goals, work to deadlines and accept personal responsibility

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

• The module is delivered through two terms of flexible three-hour slots comprising lectures, practical work, group discussion and peer presentations, supported by handouts, directed reading and feedback.
• One term will guide students through a dissertation-style palaeoecological research project comprising data collection, analysis and interpretation culminating in an assessed written report, which will primarily evaluate research and communication skills.
• One term will centre on student-led presentation, analysis and debate on current research, with an emphasis on interaction with and evaluation of the primary literature.
• A final examination will primarily assess knowledge, understanding and independent learning

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

<enter text as appropriate for the module>

■ 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