Description
This module will give you a description of the development of life on Earth and the way in which life and the physical environment have interacted through 4000 million years of Earth history. We start with the formation of the solar system and go on to discuss the origin of life on Earth and the development of life and the planet through the Precambrian and Phanerozoic. You will get an introduction to all aspect of palaeontology, including palaeobiology, biostratigraphy, evolution, palaeoecology and taxonomy. In the practicals you will learn to describe and identify the major fossil-forming invertebrate groups, and manipulate and apply palaeontological data.
You will gain the following knowledge and skills:
• the biology, classification and geological history of the major fossil groups;
• an understanding of the interactions between the biosphere and physical environment through time;
• identification and description of fossils;
• the practical application of palaeontological techniques in the Earth sciences, specifically in biostratigraphy, palaeoenvironmental analyses and evolutionary studies.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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