GEOL2347: Ancient Life and its Environment

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• The module will train students in scientific research methods, critical thinking and written communication.
• Students will use the fossil record to infer interactions between life and its environment, on both ecological and evolutionary timescales.
• The principles and practice of reconstructing ancient life will acquaint students with the interplay between environmental, ecological and evolutionary processes, in modern settings and through geological time.

• Palaeoecology, and processes that control the diversity and spatial distribution of organisms at the present day and in the past.
• Systematics: classifying fossils as species and higher taxonomic groups.
• Taphonomy: the quality and character of the fossil record.
• Functional morphology: inferring extinct lifestyles from fossil form.
• Ichnology: reconstructing ancient behaviour from trace fossils.
• Phylogenetics: placing organisms in an evolutionary context.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Through research-led learning students will develop a depth of knowledge and research skills in palaeontology, including palaeobiology and palaeoecology, and of more general applicability. The module particularly emphasizes skills that are relevant to independent research and written communication, preparing students for future dissertation-style learning opportunities.
• Applications of fossils in understanding Earth history .
• Statistical tools in quantitative palaeobiology.
• Palaeontological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
• Processes that control the quality of the fossil record.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Taxonomic classification.
• Quantitative palaeoecology.
• Characterising populations and communities.
• Evaluating and understanding the quality of data.
• Developing a convincing narrative.
• Writing and illustrating a scientific report.

Key Skills:

• Discovery, synthesis and understanding of information.
• Communication of novel findings to peers and end-users.
• Structure and clarity in written communication.
• Adaptable, flexible, innovative and creative approaches to work and problem solving.
• Ability to set goals, work to deadlines and accept personal responsibility .

• The module follows a 'flipped classroom' approach. Asynchronous learning materials are complemented with flexible three-hour classroom sessions that consolidate learning through Q&A sessions, practical exercises, and peer learning.
• Students undertake a dissertation-style palaeoecological research project comprising data collection, analysis and interpretation.
• Assessment comprises a research notebook (a record of data collected); and a written report, emphasizing research, analysis and communication skills.

Formative exercises support learning with opportunities to apply and develop new skills, and to receive timely and targeted feedback.

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