University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2017/18 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Science > School of Earth Sciences > Palaeontology and Evolution (BSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 2GELY023U |
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Programme type | Single Honours |
Programme director(s) |
Emily Rayfield
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Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups | Earth sciences, environmental sciences and environmental studies (2019) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 3 years (full time) |
This programme aims to develop the student’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of palaeontology, by these means:
- to harness the enthusiasm of students for fossils and the history of life by introducing them to current research, ideas, and methods in the field. - to provide an advanced and integrated view of palaeontology and evolution, building upon a sound quantitative and bio-physico-chemical understanding of the scientific principles underlying biological and geological processes. - to develop in students a range of key skills pertinent to the subject and to non-palaeontological endeavour. - to prepare graduates with a broad range of intellectual, critical and practical skills as a foundation for a professional career in palaeontology and/ or evolutionary sciences. - to provide students with an opportunity of working alongside an international community of academic staff and research workers at the forefront of research and scholarship in biological and geological sciences.Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through a combination of lectures, supervised practicals, coursework, field work and IT-based support materials. Throughout the programme students are provided with, and encouraged/required to undertake independent learning through reading and field and class tasks, so as to consolidate and broaden their knowledge and understanding of the subject and their local environment.
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Methods of Assessment | |
The knowledge and understanding base is assessed via a combination of closed examinations and assessed coursework, class tests, coursework projects and presentations.
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Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Cognitive skills are promoted through all parts of the teaching programme with analysis, synthesis and evaluation of topics and concepts, but these are gained particularly in Earth Sciences, via supervised and independent field classes. |
Methods of Assessment | |
All assessment tasks are designed to test skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation, but these skills are particularly evident in assessments of coursework in the laboratory and in the field. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Acquisition of subject-specific skills is through a combination of supervised practicals, coursework, field and project work. In addition students are provided with, and encouraged/required to undertake self-learning field tasks to consolidate and broaden their knowledge of the subject and their local environment.
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Methods of Assessment | |
Subject specific skills are assessed mainly via coursework presentations (laboratory & field classes), plus examinations. Self-assessment of an individual's progress is encouraged through the provision of self-led field tasks with solutions. Key skills are a part of all forms of assessment. Professional/self management skills are not formally assessed as part of an end-of-year mark, but via tutorial contact, and self evaluation. A diverse range of Teaching and Learning methods and assessment methods are utilised in this programme. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level C/4 - Certificate |
Students will be expected to have a sound and broad-based knowledge and understanding of the integrated manner of the working of palaeontology and evolution. To develop an introductory ability to apply their understanding of fossils and evolution to wider issues. Work will be extensively directed by staff, but will have an introductory understanding of the need for self-evaluation and self-direction of learning. |
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Level I/5 - Intermediate |
At Level I/5, students are expected to have developed a modern, solid foundation of subject specific skills underpinned by the interdisciplinary, scientific principles (quantitative, bio- physico-chemico) underlying palaeontology and evolution. Students will be able to apply the principles more widely and undertake more in-depth analysis, and be able to communicate with others in a sound scientific manner. Students will be more at ease in being able to guide themselves in analysis of their own performance, and of setting and achieving their aims. |
Level H/6 - Honours |
At Level H/6, students will have an expanded range and depth of subject specific knowledge, through the study of core, and optional units specific to their aims. Major independent work will have allowed students to become confident in the ability to collect, synthesise, and evaluate data, so as to be able to communicate and defend their own ideas and interpretation of the work. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the undergraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Workload Statement
The Faculty of Science expects a minimum work input by its undergraduates of 40 hours per week for every week of the academic year. The 40 hours is made up of a portfolio of different components. The balance between these components varies slightly from programme to programme reflecting the varying academic demands of different subject areas.
Lectures, practical work, tutorials, seminars and required coursework and homework for may take up around 20 hours per week. While this volume of formal teaching is common in the early years of programmes, in later years there is more self directed learning and the opportunity to carry out supervised research work. In total the formal teaching and the students learning should amount to the 40 hours a week mentioned.
The Faculty of Science requires students to do some academic work in the periods between the terms, both required work and that which reflects their interest in, and commitment to their programmes of study.
Assessment Statement
https://www.bris.ac.uk/science/undergraduates/satementonassessment.pdf
For general undergraduate enquiries please email earth-undergrad@bristol.ac.uk
Please note all units are must pass units.
For the definition of a must pass unit please see the Glossary of Terms from Annex 1 to the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/esu/assessment/annex/glossary.html
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Geology 1 | EASC10001 | 40 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Physics and Chemistry for Earth Scientists | EASC10006 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Computing for Earth Scientists | EASC10007 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Introduction to Field Skills in Earth Sciences | EASC10008 | 10 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Biology 1A: Diversity of Life | BIOL11000 | 40 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Certificate of Higher Education | 120 |
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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