Unit information: Geology for Research Palaeobiologists in 2020/21

Unit name	Geology for Research Palaeobiologists
Unit code	EASCM0037
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6)
Unit director	Dr. Benton
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

Introduction to geology; geological time; earth history (including history of oceans, atmospheres, and climates, and incorporating basic stratigraphic methods, sedimentary facies analysis, sedimentary geochemistry); sedimentology (petrology of sedimentary rocks, facies interpretation, environmental reconstruction) and geological maps.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Thorough grounding in the basics of geology, especially as concerns earth history and sedimentology. Confidence in basic laboratory methods in earth sciences (geological map interpretation, sedimentary log interpretation, petrological microscope description and interpretation of sedimentary rocks and fabrics).

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through a combination of

• asynchronous online materials and, if subsequently possible, synchronous face-to-face lectures
• synchronous office hours
• asynchronous directed individual formative activities and exercises
• guided, structured reading
• practical work in the laboratory

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.

Assessment Information

Students will assessed by one written exam at the end of the unit, which will include material covered in both lecture and practical areas of the unit. (summative 100%).

Reading and References

• Benton, M. J. and Harper, D. A. T. (2009) Introduction to Paleobiology and the fossil record. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Briggs, D. E. G. and Crowther, P. R. (2001) Palaeobiology II. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.
• Foote, M. & Miller, A. I. (2006) Principles of paleontology. W.H. Freeman, San Francisco.
• Stanley, S. M. (2004) Earth system history, 2nd edition. W.H. Freeman, San Francisco.