Geological History of Life on Earth - 2023 entry
MODULE TITLE | Geological History of Life on Earth | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
---|---|---|---|
MODULE CODE | CSM3071 | MODULE CONVENER | Dr Sev Kender (Coordinator) |
DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
---|---|---|---|
DURATION: WEEKS | 11 | 0 | 0 |
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 15 |
---|
Life on Earth is exceptionally diverse, but what can the fossil record tell us about its history and evolution? This course provides an overview of the key evolutionary developments of life, from the earliest fossils and the Cambrian Explosion, to the colonization of land and air by plants, insects, mammals, reptiles and birds, and the evolution of hominids. We will investigate the role of mass extinctions and climate change in the development of the tree of life, long term changes to biodiversity and evolutionary patterns, and the specific role of palaeontology to evolutionary theory. This includes examination of marine and terrestrial biotic evolution from micropalaeontology. This module will introduce numerical and geochemical methods used to investigate the fossil record and uncover its evolution, palaeobiology and palaeoenvironment.
There are no prerequisite module requirements, so this module is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.
This module aims to provide an overview and understanding of the tree of life, including the most important evolutionary developments and major extinctions, to assess long term changes in biodiversity and the fossil record. Students will gain practical experience of the methods used in palaeontology and micropalaeontology, and appreciation of the importance of preservation.
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. Describe the major developments in the evolution of life
2. Demonstrate knowledge of evolution within the major fossil groups
3. Interpret palaeontological data with respect to family trees, palaeobiology and palaeoecology
4. Describe the contribution of palaeontology to our understanding of evolution
5. Describe the environmental and biological impact of major extinction events
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the stratigraphical importance of palaeontology
7. Explain the geological methods used to collect and analyse fossils
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
8. Collect and integrate different types of datasets and report the results accordingly
9. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate scientific data
- History of life, evolution from earliest beginnings to Cambrian Explosion and modern fauna
- Evolutionary theory, convergence, divergence, etc.
- Evolution of plants including pollen
- Vertebrate skeleton, fish to reptiles
- Evolutionary history of insects
- Marine extinction and revolution (Permian-Triassic), rise of Mesozoic oceans and microplankton (foraminifera, radiolarians and coccoliths)
- Cenozoic oceans and plankton (diatoms, dinoflagellates)
- Reptiles, dinosaurs, including exceptional preservation
- Mammal evolution and hominids, intelligence
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 26 | Guided Independent Study | 124 | Placement / Study Abroad | 0 |
---|
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 26 | 26 hours of lectures and practical work. |
Guided independent study | 124 | Independent study guided by reading list. |
Form of Assessment | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
---|---|---|---|
Drop in coursework plan clinic | Approx. 1 hr | 7, 8, 9 |
Oral, informal session held during the assignment period to address any deficiencies in skills or knowledge |
Coursework | 100 | Written Exams | 0 | Practical Exams | 0 |
---|
Form of Assessment | % of Credit | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
---|---|---|---|---|
Presentation | 40 | Review of the evidence for an aspect of evolution of life on Earth | 7, 8, 9 | Mark and individual feedback via attainment against proforma marking scheme |
Coursework | 60 | Material covered in lectures and practical classes | 1-7 | Written |
Original Form of Assessment | Form of Re-assessment | ILOs Re-assessed | Time Scale for Re-assessment |
---|---|---|---|
Presentation (40%) | Additional presentation | 7, 8, 9 | August Ref/Def Period |
Coursework (60%) | Additional coursework | 1-7 | August Ref/Def Period |
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Basic reading: ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
Web based and Electronic Resources:
Other Resources:
Reading list for this module:
CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
---|---|---|---|
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | None |
---|---|
CO-REQUISITE MODULES | None |
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 6 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
---|---|---|---|
ORIGIN DATE | Friday 6th December 2019 | LAST REVISION DATE | Tuesday 14th March 2023 |
KEY WORDS SEARCH | Palaeontology, palaeobiology, evolution, extinction |
---|
Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.