Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2022-2023 (archived)
Module GEOL2301: Ancient Life and its Environment
Department: Earth Sciences
GEOL2301: Ancient Life and its Environment
Type | Open | Level | 2 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2022/23 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
---|
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
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- 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.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Taxonomic classification
- Quantitative palaeoecology
- Characterising populations and communities
- Evaluating and understanding the quality of data and research
- Writing a scientific report
Key Skills:
- 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 follows a 'flipped classroom' approach. Asynchronous learning materials are complemented by flexible three-hour classroom sessions that include practical exercises, group discussion and peer presentations.
- 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
Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Teaching and Learning Sessions | 20 | Weekly | 3 hours | 30 | ■ |
Preparation and Reading | 170 | ||||
Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
---|---|---|---|
Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
two-hour unseen written examination | 100% | ||
Component: Coursework | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Laboratory Report | 85% | ||
Laboratory Notebook | 15% |
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