Unit name | The Cambrian Explosion - the origin of animal body plans |
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Unit code | EASC30052 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2C (weeks 13 - 18) |
Unit director | Dr. Vinther |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
N/A |
Co-requisites |
N/A |
School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This course provides an overview of the shape and structure of the animal tree of life from a zoomorphological, phylogenetic, palaeontological and geological perspective. The student will become familiar with the morphologic diversity underpinning the diversity of animals and the invertebrate fossil record. We will look at the diverse ecological strategies animals have adapted towards and discuss how these evolved and made an impact on Earth as we know it.
The main aims are to introduce and comprehensively review the following themes:
Formative assessment and feedback will be provided on practical exercises.
Students should become familiar with and be able to:
The unit will be taught through a combination of
Students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete laboratory work, or alternative activities, in person, either during the academic year 2020/21 or subsequently, in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements.
End-of-unit timed open-book examination (100%)
There is no individual book which provides the necessary comprehensive overview. Individual chapters of the recommended reading will provide a good background.
Recommended: