Course overview
This course aims to provide an advanced understanding of modern palaeontology as a multidisciplinary subject spanning the interface between geology and biology.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in common practical skills in palaeontology and an ability to evaluate, interpret and communicate scientific results obtained from fossil deposits
- Comprehend fossil formation processes in different environments, and recognise the importance of studying taphonomic histories and stratigraphic contexts to ensure reliable interpretations of fossil records
- Evaluate changes in diversity and palaeoecology through time, assess how key extinction and evolutionary events have been driven by major geological and palaeoenvironmental change, and understand the role of applied palaeontology for future conservation efforts
- Combine information from fossils and associated sedimentary archives to undertake multi-proxy interpretations of past environments, and assess how environmental conditions have changed through time
- Demonstrate an understanding of key geochronology techniques and modern analytical approaches used to contextualise and interpret fossil records
- Critically debate and evaluate current topics or controversies in palaeontology via group presentations and written reports