| Unit name | Advanced Palaeobiology fieldwork |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EASCM0062 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Professor. Rayfield |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
EASC10008 Introduction to Field Skills in Earth Sciences BIOL20018 Computational Methods in Biology EASC20029 Introduction to Field Mapping EASC20026 Mesozoic stratigraphy and palaeontology fieldwork EASC30070 Evolutionary Palaeoecology in the field |
| Co-requisites |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
A 20 credit point field course with the aims of providing students with the skills to interpret and understand the geological history of the local Bristol area, and then put this knowledge to practical use in (a) designing a field guide that is pedagogically appropriate, and considers all safety, logistics and accessibility/inclusivity concerns; (b) executing the field trip professionally and safely (under staff supervision); (c) completing a reflective exercise identifying success and areas for improvement, and revising the field guide document appropriately.
The unit aims to enable students to acquire the field and analytical skills necessary for:
• Being able to critically evaluate evidence in the field and via relevant literature pertaining to the geological history of the Bristol area.
• Gain sufficient understanding of local geological history to devise a one-day field course for a cohort of students with a specified level of geological understanding (e.g. non-geological background versus geological background to degree level).
• Gaining skills in delivering a field exercise, considering the pedagogic, safety and accessibility aspects of the field day. Delivering the field course, with appropriate supervision.
• Completing a reflection of written and field teaching exercises and learning objectives.
On successful completion students will be able to:
Content will be delivered through a series of synchronous preparatory workshops in Bristol and through synchronous fieldwork. Students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete field work, or alternative activities, in person, during the academic year 2020/21 in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements.
Coursework 100% comprising:
(1) A 2000 word written report comprising a field trip guide consisting of exercises to be completed by students of a particular geological ability on a one-day field trip. The guide must include: a description of the geology and palaeobiology of the students’ chosen study area; detailed description of the exercises to be undertaken; and also include logistics (travel and timetabling), safety concerns (tide times, a signed-off risk assessment) and accessibility arrangements (is the field trip design inclusive and accessible?). Full details and resources to complete the assessment will be provided. [70%]
(2) After executing the field exercise: a two-three page reflective exercise outlining what went well, what could be improved; and a revised field guide that incorporates these changes. [30%]
Recommended
All recommended reading is available digitally via Library services and the online British Geological Survey collections.
