Unit name | Advanced Vertebrate Palaeobiology and Biomechanics |
---|---|
Unit code | EASCM0055 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
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: 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.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EASCM0055).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.