In this module you will learn why an understanding of stratigraphical and palaeontological principles is central to understanding Earth’s history and the rock record. You will examine the stratigraphic toolbox available to geologists, and how you can apply it to understand geological events in the past, including plate tectonics, climate change, the origin of life on Earth and its evolution through time. You will explore the key fossil groups and how their occurrence in rocks is used to date the geological record, to determine past environmental conditions and to improve our understanding of a range of fascinating time periods including Snowball Earth, mass extinctions and the palaeoecology of ancient animal communities.

The aim of this module is to introduce students to Earth history, the evolution of life on Earth and the principles of stratigraphy, and the application of both stratigraphy and palaeontology in geoscience.

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. to gain an understanding of the principles of (a) lithostratigraphy, (b) biostratigraphy, (c) chronostratigraphy, (d) geochronology, (e) isotope-stratigraphy, (f) magnetostratigraphy, (g) event stratigraphy and (h) cyclostratigraphy using relevant case studies from the rock record.

2. to be able to describe and identify a range of both body and trace fossils, and their preservation, in hand specimens/outcrop

3. describe and explain of the evolution of life on Earth, and Earth history, using stratigraphic evidence from the rock record.

4. estimate the relative and absolute age of a stratigraphic section using lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, geochronology.

5. determine environment of deposition using a rock’s fossil assemblage.

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

6. with guidance, begin to develop the skills for independent study.

7. with guidance, select and properly manage information drawn from lectures, books, journals and the internet.

8. with guidance, communicate ideas effectively by written, oral and visual means.

9. demonstrate observational skills.

10. evaluate data.

11. synthesize a range of data.

12. demonstrate an ability to solve problems.

13. demonstrate time-management skills.

14. research literature on a topic.

15. work collaboratively with members of peer group.

16. make a simple presentation using MS PowerPoint.

The two strands (stratigraphy and palaeontology) of this module run concurrently. Stratigraphic principles, with relevant case studies from the rock record, and an overview of Earth’s history and evolution, are taught in a seriese of lectures. Concurrently, the practical sessions are used to teach palaeontology from the perspective of its useful application in the geosciences: fossil preservation, taphonomy, palaeoecology, palaeoclimatology, biostratigraphy and major Phanerozoic macrofossils, microfossils, and tracefossils in the context of the history of life and environments of deposition. Each practical begins with an introductory talk, followed by a series of practical tasks during which regular formative feedback is provided.
 

If a student is referred or deferred, the failed / non-completed component(s) will be re-assessed at the same weighting as the original assessment.

Basic reading:

Web based and electronic resources:

ELE CSM1044 (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=491), with extensive notes for lectures, extra resources, links to further web-based resources and textbook reading, in addition to recommended key text books (as listed below)         

Reading list for this module: