Unit name | Vertebrate Palaeobiology and Biomechanics |
---|---|
Unit code | EASC30068 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
Unit director | Professor. Rayfield |
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 begins by outlining the evolution of vertebrates from basal fish-like creatures to humans. An emphasis will be given to anatomy and phylogeny, with descriptions of key groups of fishes, amphibians, reptiles (especially dinosaurs), birds and mammals.
Students will then study what we can learn from the evolution of vertebrate form. For example, why are fossil animals shaped in a particular way? How does this relate to their behaviour? We will examine how biomechanical techniques and inference from living animals shape our understanding of form and function in fossils. Concepts of basic structural mechanics will be introduced along with an overview of the biology and functional morphology of the musculoskeletal system, including shape and scaling aspects.
The unit aims to:
On successful completion of the unit 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.
Summative assessment: exam (100%). The exam will comprise a mix of short answer, calculation and essay-style question types.
Formative assessment: poster session , feedback on practical classes
Poster session - students will choose a relevant scientific question, as agreed by staff, then research and prepare a scientific poster. The poster will be displayed in a conference-style poster session with staff and peers asking questions. Assessment will be based on visual presentation skills and quality of research; marks for each component will be equally weighted.
Feedback, and model answers where appropriate, will be provided at the end of each practical class. Students will be encouraged to present their findings during classes when data collection forms part of the exercise.
Essential:
Recommended:
Further reading:
In addition to the above, relevant literature will be provided with each lecture and practical class.