GEOL481-09S2 (C) Semester Two 2009

Evolutionary Paleobiology

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 13 July 2009
End Date: Sunday, 15 November 2009
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 26 July 2009
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 11 October 2009

Description

This course covers the principles of evolution, speciation patterns, rates and modes of evolution, and the definition of species using fossil material. Taphonomic processes and ecological biases in the fossil record, interpreting paleo-environments.

This course will provide students with an understanding of the principles of evolution, speciation patterns, rates and modes of evolution, and the definition of species using fossil material. This course will also discuss taphonomic processes and ecological bias that may distort the fossil record, and allow students to be more critical in their interpretation of past environments. Students will gain practical experience in collecting meaningful ecological data in the field, through a one day field trip.

Additional topics will be tailored to suit the interests of the class, but may include detailed considerations of New Zealand biotas, selected fossil groups, vertebrate palaeontology, molecular palaeontology and analytical methods.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Catherine Reid

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Seminars and participation 20% Seminars and participation
Field assignment 10% Field assignment
Morphometric data assignment 15% Morphometric data assignment - various
Palaeoecology data assignment 15% Palaeoecology data assignment - Tasmanian Permian
Final examination 40% Final examination

Textbooks / Resources

Recommended Reading

Foote, Michael J. et al; Principles of paleontology ; 3rd ed; W.H. Freeman, 2007.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $698.00

* 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 GEOL481 Occurrences

  • GEOL481-09S2 (C) Semester Two 2009