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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Phylogenetic Methods in Palaeobiology |
| Unit code |
EASCM0035 |
| Credit points |
10 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
|
| Unit director |
Professor. Mike 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
This is an advanced unit on current methods in discovering and working with phylogenetic trees. Themes covered include cladistic analysis, supertree methods, molecular phylogenetic techniques, and comparative phylogenetic analysis. In addition, themes in phylogenetic macroevolution are covered, including statistics and disparity. Students learn the current methods, debates, and relevant software routines throughout.
Intended Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes of this unit are mainly practical, including the ability to:
- Prepare macro- and microfossil specimens for study.
- Use statistical techniques to analyse palaeontological data.
- Record appropriate palaeontological data in the field.
- Produce publication-quality plates and illustrations.
- Learn various techniques that will benefit your research project.
- Learn transferable skills that are of use outside palaeontology (e.g. photography, statistical software).
- Analyse morphological and molecular data to determine the evolutionary relationships of living and extinct organisms.
- Use appropriate software (e.g. Paup, MacClade), including original software developed in Bristol to test the veracity of phylogenetic hypotheses.
Teaching Information
Lectures (15 hours) and practicals (15 hours)
Assessment Information
The assessment is entirely by continuous assessment and is divided into two parts: 1, Statistical assignment (50%) and 2, a phylogeny assignment (50%).
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.
- Smith, A.B. 1994. Systematics and the fossil record. Blackwell
