Module manager: Paul Wignall
Email: P.B.Wignall@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Successful completion of Level 1 of registered programme (or equivalent for Incoming Study Abroad Students)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Evaluating ancient sedimentary environments and understanding what the world was like millions of years ago requires a diverse approach that draws on many strands of geology, notably sedimentology, palaeontology and low temperature geochemistry. This module will integrate these diverse strands and teach a range of analytical skills through lectures, lab classes and a residential field trip. On fieldwork, you will use sedimentological, palaeontological and geochemical skills to assess a range of ancient environments spanning from terrestrial to deep marine settings and produce a report. Topics in the module include a study of sedimentary structures and the processes by which they are formed, identification of sedimentary facies from different depositional settings, and the application of criteria, derived from the study of fossils, that can be used to interpret past environmental conditions. The principles behind the major geochemical cycles at the Earth’s surface (carbon, oxygen, sulphur) and how stable isotope systems can be used to monitor past changes, and the use of large palaeontology databases for studying major events such as mass extinctions are also included.
The study of past sedimentary environments draws on numerous branches of earth sciences. This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the processes responsible for sediment transport, the range of facies encountered in key depositional settings and their recognition, and the application of palaeoecological data in the analysis of past environments at outcrop scale. They will use digital technology to access and evaluate large palaeontological. Students will develop an understanding of the approaches required for data collection and measurement skills and will apply these skills during a residential fieldtrip. In addition, the students will learn the principles of element cycling (carbon, oxygen and sulphur) in the earth-surface setting, using their stable isotope systems, together with training in the analysis of large palaeontology databases will provide the skills to assess long term earth system evolution.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
SSLO1: Interpret the processes responsible for sedimentation based on preserved sedimentary structures.
SSLO2: Develop skills in collating diverse sedimentological and palaeontological data and use these data to produce interpretations of depositional environments and facies models.
SSLO3: Synthesise diverse field data to produce a field report supported by key graphics (sedimentary logs).
SSLO4: Evaluate large palaeontological databases to determine trends and calculate extinction/origination metrics.
SSLO5: Use stable isotope and low temperature geochemistry data to understand changes in earth-system elemental cycles in deep time.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Experiment through practice, learning proactively in lab classes and in the field and adopting effective learning strategies (active learning).
SKLO2: Collaborate with constructive, supportive, and cooperative relationships with others through collection and presentation of sedimentological and stratigraphic data during team exercises in the lab and in the field. Followed by group report writing (collaboration, interpersonal skills, relationship development, academic writing).
SKLO3: Deploy recognition criteria of depositional environments to aid understanding, inform interpretations, report writing (research skills, integrated problem solving, creativity, critical thinking).
This module will train the student in the ability to analyse the sedimentary and palaeontological record using a broad set of skills ranging from analysis of sedimentary structures, trace fossils, fossil assemblages to the manipulation of large datasets using modelling, programming and statistical packages. These will be integrated with geochemical knowledge of element and stable isotope systems. The skills will be acquired both during lab work and in a field class.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 21 | 1 | 21 |
| Practicals | 15 | 2 | 30 |
| Fieldwork | 5 | 6 | 30 |
| Private study hours | 119 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 81 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The palaeontological and geochemical laboratory classes with provide formative feedback for the students within the practical and the provision of worked answers after the class will allow them to assess their progress. During the field course students will make group presentations on outcrops and will be given direct, verbal feedback from the fieldtrip leaders.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Group work | 15 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 35 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Unseen exam | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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