Unit information: Geology for Research Palaeobiologists in 2012/13

Unit name	Geology for Research Palaeobiologists
Unit code	EASCM0037
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Benton
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

Introduction to geology; geological time; earth history (including history of oceans, atmospheres, and climates, and incorporating basic stratigraphic methods, sedimentary facies analysis, sedimentary geochemistry); sedimentology (petrology of sedimentary rocks, field sedimentological methods (including logging), facies interpretation, environmental reconstruction), field skills, geological maps.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Thorough grounding in the basics of geology, especially as concerns earth history and sedimentology. Confidence in basic field and laboratory methods in earth sciences (geological map interpretation, sedimentary logging, petrological microscope description and interpretation of sedimentary rocks and fabrics).

Teaching Information

Lectures, practicals and 2 day-long field trips

Assessment Information

The unit will be assessed on the basis of weekly practical work (laboratory and field) and written reports (50%) as well as a class exam (50%).

Reading and References

• Benton, M. J. and Harper, D. A. T. (2009) Introduction to Paleobiology and the fossil record. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Briggs, D. E. G. and Crowther, P. R. (2001) Palaeobiology II. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.
• Foote, M. & Miller, A. I. (2006) Principles of paleontology. W.H. Freeman, San Francisco.
• Stanley, S. M. (2004) Earth system history, 2nd edition. W.H. Freeman, San Francisco.