GEOL333-06S2 (U) Semester Two 2006 (University Campus)

Evolution of the Biosphere

14 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 10 July 2006
End Date: Sunday, 12 November 2006
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 23 July 2006
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 8 October 2006

Description

Multidisciplinary studies of biosphere evolution emphasising the dynamic interaction of the biosphere through time with the Earth's other main systems.

This course explores recent multidisciplinary studies of biosphere evolution emphasising the dynamic interaction of the biosphere through time with the Earth's other main systems. Topics will include global trends in atmospheric and oceanic chemistry; Phanerozoic patterns of continental amalgamation and break-up and their effects on global biodiversity; global isotopic events; the fossil record of biodiversity; origin of the biosphere; life in the Archaean and Proterozoic; the Pre-Cambrian atmosphere; global events and event stratigraphy; evolutionary radiations; mass extinctions; causes of global events; reef biotas through time. Selected case studies of geologically and biologically significant global events; origin of the Metazoa; the Ediacara Fauna; the Cambrian explosion; the Burgess Shale Fauna; Pre-Cenozoic glaciations; Cenozoic paleoclimate/paleoceanographic changes.

What the course entails:
Two lectures and one laboratory class per week.

What you need for this course:
GEOL112 "Understanding Earth History", and GEOL234 "Stratigraphy and Paleontology" plus 11 additional points from GEOL232 - GEOL236. With the permission of the HOD, 22 points from 200 level BIOL papers may be substituted for 22 points of 200 level GEOL.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
  • Access on-line geological and paleontological databases,
  • Discuss the major features, influences and interactions between the various Earth systems (biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and cryosphere),
  • Evaluate contemporary ideas and controversies surrounding the origin of life and its subsequent Precambrian diversification,
  • Describe the dynamic interrelationships between global plate distributions and global biodiversities through time ,
  • Review the major Phanerozoic extinction events and their likely causes,
  • Discuss the major Cenozoic paleoclimate events and their likely causes ,
  • Prepare and present a 20 minute seminar on a relevant topic .

Prerequisites

GEOL112 and GEOL234 plus 11 additional points from GEOL232-GEOL236. With the permission of the HOD, 22 points from 200 level BIOL papers may be substituted for 22 points of 200 level GEOL. RP: GEOL235

Recommended Preparation

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Dave MacKinnon

Lecturer

Jamie Shulmeister

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Final Examination 50%
20 min oral presentation 18 Aug 2006 25%
Palynology Lab exercise 13 Oct 2006 25%

Course links

Library portal

Notes

Relationship of GEOL333 to Other Courses
GEOL112 is an essential prerequisite for this course along with 22 points from 200 level GEOL/PAMS/ZOOL with the approval of the Head of Department, Geological Sciences. GEOL333 is strongly recommended if you wish to do GEOL481 Evolutionary Paleobiology. It may be a benefitical option for students contemplating postgraduate studies in Environmental Science, Zoology, and Plant and Microbial Sciences.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $509.00

International fee $2,252.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Geological Sciences .

All GEOL333 Occurrences

  • GEOL333-06S2 (U) Semester Two 2006 (University Campus)
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