GEOL311 Palaeontology and Stratigraphy

Updated: 26 March 2019
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 2 Online
Intensive School(s)

Intensive schools are for students enrolled in Online Mode only, unless specified in the notes.

Start Finish Attendance Notes
23 August 2019 30 August 2019 Mandatory Eight-day intensive school which includes a three-day field excursion.
Supervised Exam There is no supervised examination.
Pre-requisites GEOL102 or GEOL103 or GEOL202 or candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions None
Notes None
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s) John Paterson (jpater20@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit covers a variety of topics in both palaeontology and stratigraphy, including evolution, phylogeny, early life forms, Ediacaran life, the Cambrian explosion, taphonomy (fossil preservation), palaeoecology, palaeobiogeography, extinctions, lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and chronostratigraphy. The unit will also investigate some of the major invertebrate fossil groups, in addition to microfossils and trace fossils. The unit includes a 3-day field excursion during the 8-day mandatory intensive school.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory

Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record

ISBN: 9781405141574
Benton, M.J. and Harper, D.A.T., Wiley-Blackwell 2009

Note: An eBook version is available through the Dixson Library.

Text refers to: Trimester 2, Online

Recommended Material
Optional

Text(s):

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library - purchase is optional

Bringing Fossils to Life: An Introduction to Paleobiology

ISBN: 9780231158930
Prothero, D.R., Columbia University Press 3rd ed. 2013

Note: An eBook version is available through the Dixson Library.

Text refers to: Trimester 2, Online

Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

ISBN: 9781292021287
Boggs, S. Jr., Pearson Education 5th ed. 2013

Text refers to: Trimester 2, Online

Referenced Material
Optional

Text(s):

Note: Reference material is held in the University Library - purchase is optional

Principles of Paleontology

ISBN: 9780716706137
Foote, M. and Miller, A.I., WH Freeman 3rd ed. 2007

Note: Available from the Dixson Library.

Text refers to: Trimester 2, Online

Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Must
Complete		 Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Compulsory Essay 20% 2000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO)

LO: 1, 4
Compulsory Online Quiz x 4 40% 2000
Assessment Notes

Each worth 10%

Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO)

LO: 1, 2, 4
Compulsory Practical 40% 2000
Assessment Notes

Intensive school practical work

Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO)

LO: 1-4

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. apply and explain the main concepts and principles in palaeontology and stratigraphy; this will also demonstrate the student's ability to anlayse and evaluate information and transmit knowledge of others using written and verbal formats;
  2. demonstrate a broad coherent theoretical/technical knowledge by identifying the major fossil groups;
  3. apply fundamental palaeontological and stratigraphical field and laboratory techniques thereby demonstrating the student can work autonomously using well-developed judgement; and
  4. demonstrate a broad coherent theoretical/technical knowledge by comparing and contrasting the major events and phases in the history of life on Earth.