ES1S210 - Life on Earth - The Fossil Record 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | ES1S210 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Life on Earth - The Fossil Record | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Earth and Environment | ||
| Module Leader: | Duncan Pirrie | ||
| Module Team: | Ian Skilling, Marios Miliorizos, Anthony Harris, Amelia Grass | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100345 - biological sciences | 100394 - earth sciences | |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 50 | 50 | |
Document Version Information
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
This module provides an overview of the fossil record and its key role in understanding evolutionary theory.
The aims of this module are:
To provide the students with knowledge of the record of life on Earth through geological time and how that record is preserved
Through fieldwork and practical investigations, understand the strengths and limitations of the palaeontological record in reconstructing palaeobiological environments and evolutionary trends.
Understand the evolution of key groups such as Birds and Mammals.
Content Summary
Evolutionary theory and evolutionary genomics. An introduction to the evolutionary processes that led to the diversity of life.
Evolutionary Theory, Adaptation to life on earth, Natural Selection and Selective mechanisms. Genetic mechanisms of evolution and speciation.
Introduction to cladistics and phylogenetic models. Practical application of DNA sequences in phylogenetic modelling, Implications of phylogenetics on our understanding of species relationships.
Palaeontology: Fossils and the fossil record and its use in analysing the evolution of life on Earth. Key environmental processes required for fossil preservation.
Investigation of key sites for fossil preservation such as the Burgess Shale. Use of fossils in reconstructing palaeobiology and ancient environments.
Key geologic stages such as The Cambrian explosion and life in Palaeozoic oceans. The rise of the metazoans.
Mesozoic life – The characteristics and potential causes of extinctions and radiations in the geologic record.
Evolution of key species such as plants, birds, dinosaurs and Mammals.
Quaternary faunas and Hominin evolution. The rise and fall of Quaternary megafauna.
Evolution and the future – surviving in a changing world.
Framework for palaeontological collecting; importance of museum collections.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 20 |
| Fieldwork | 20 |
| Independent Study | 150 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Gain an in-depth knowledge of the fossil record and its significance for understanding the development of life on Earth. |
| LO2 | Based on theoretical knowledge, critically assess the concepts and principals of evolutionary theory. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Report 2 | Individual report on phylogenetic relationships. | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Report 1 | Individual report on aspects of the palaeontological record | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Report 2 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Report 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |