EMSC6019 Marine Palacontology and the Evolution of Life on Earth

Offered By	RSES Admin
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Earth and Marine Science
Offered in	Second Semester, 2009 and Second Semester, 2010
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	This course provides an overview of the fossil record of use to palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. Emphasis will be placed on the evolution of life on Earth, and the geochemical nature of fossils and the role they take in the evolution of the planet, and in particular the oceanic realm. This course is for geology, biology, archaeology and those interested in environmental issues and past environments, including climate change. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes	On completion of this course students will achieve: Understanding of the evolution of life on Earth and how organisms contributed to the changes that occurred on land and in the oceans. Basic knowledge of extinct fossil groups and on how to interpret their form and function. Appreciation about the morphological changes and diversity of the fossil record in the oceans.
Indicative Assessment	Theory Exam (50%) Practicals (30%) Field Trip Assignment (20%)
Workload	3 hours of lectures, 2 hours of laboratories per week, total 65 contact hours.
Course Classification(s)	AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. and TransitionalTransitional courses are designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds and learning achievements, which provide for the acquisition of generic skills; or an informed understanding of contemporary issues; or fundamental knowledge for transition to Advanced or Specialist courses.
Areas of Interest	Earth and Marine Sciences
Eligibility	Bachelor degree; with either first year Geology or first year Biology.
Requisite Statement	Geology or Biology to the first year level.
Academic Contact	Patrick De Deckker

The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.