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, the geochemical nature of fossils, and the role they play in allowing us to trace the evolution of the planet, and in particular the oceanic realm. This course is for students of geology, biology, archaeology, and those interested in environmental issues and past environments, including climate change.

Honours Pathway Option (HPO)

Additional readings of greater conceptual difficulty requiring an advanced scientific understanding will be made available for students enrolled in the Honours Pathway Option. 20% of the marks available on the exam will be answers to alternate questions for HPO students. Integration of this material in the essay will be expected.

 A combination of theory and practical examinations, plus laboratory and field reports

A maximum of 39 hours of lectures/tutorials and 26 hours of laboratories plus a field excursion

At least one first year GEOL, EMSC or BIOL course

GEOL2008, GEOL2014 and GEOL2019

Clarkson, E. N. K. (1998)  Invertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution. Chapman and Hall, 4th ed.