Unit name | Micropalaeontology |
---|---|
Unit code | EASCM0040 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6) |
Unit director | Dr. Melbourne |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
N/A |
Co-requisites |
N/A |
School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit will cover the biology and ecology of the main fossilised microfossil in the Cenozoic. It will introduce major biological approaches used to quantify and understand the Earth System. These include the use of microfossils in reconstructing paleo-temperatures, water depth, productivity and oxygen levels in the ocean. These methods will be applied to major transitions in Earth history (e.g. Pliocene warmth, Paleocene-Eocene Boundary), and main drivers of climate change (temperature, oxygen, acidification). The aim is to introduce students to uncertainties in reconstructing past climates and limitations of the methods.
On successful completion you will 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.
Coursework (100%)
The coursework will be a literature review report in the style of a review paper (2,500 word maximum), on a topic that will be given to students at the beginning of the unit. Topics will be broad and incorporate the content of the course.
There is no individual book which provides the necessary comprehensive overview. Individual chapters of the recommended reading will provide a good background. Based on your background, these will allow you to catch up on relevant information.
Recommended
Further reading will be provided in each lecture to complement the content. For the highest marks in the assessment it is fundamentally important to read these papers.