Module manager: Paul Wignall
Email: P.B.Wignall@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
EARS2145
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This course begins with a study of fossilisation processes and it then demonstrates how fossils are used to understand ancient environments, such as reef ecosystems and deep marine settings. It also demonstrates how fossils can provide information on the nature of evolutionary processes and patterns in groups as diverse as oysters and dinosaurs. - The course consists of a weekly lecture followed by a two hour practical that backs up the lecture material and involves the study of a diverse array of fossils. - There are no prerequisites. - This module is taught throughout semester 1 by lectures and practicals.
On completion of this module, students should be able to have a sound grasp of the use of fossil information in both earth and evolutionary sciences.
The student will be able to utilise palaeoecological and ichnological data to interpret past environments and fossil data to evaluate evolutionary histories. In particular the students will become familiar with marine palaeoenvironments and the analysis of controlling variables such as water depth, palaeoeoxygenation, substrate type.
The course will cover the principals of ecology and how they can be applied in palaeoecological analysis, the use of trace fossils in reconstructing palaeoenvironments, echinoderm palaeobiology and functional morphology of test shape, statistical analysis of palaeodiversity using the R programme, exceptionally preserved biotas - controlling factors and their identification in hand specimen, the use of fossils to determine ancient oxygen levels, micro and macroevolutionary patterns of level bottom communities, construction of cladograms and evolutionary trees, extinctions in the history of life.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Practical | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Private study hours | 49 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 51 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Pre-reading for lectures
Selected practicals will be assessed during the course
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Practical | 1 set of practicals handed in at the end of term | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
Re-sit is by examination only.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Re-sit is by examination only.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 9/4/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team