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.

Field Trip:  There will be a 2 day field trip to the South Coast.  Students are required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the field trip, approximately $60.  Payments may be made at the Science Cashier, Bldg 42 or online at ScienceShop http://scienceshop.anu.edu.au/

Note: Graduate students (EMSC6019) attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately and to an advanced level of knowledge

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. 10% of the marks will relate to the selected fossill assignment.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of life on Earth and how organisms contributed to the changes that occurred on land and in the oceans.

2. Show basic knowledge of extinct fossil groups and interpret their form and function.

3. Recognise and appreciate the changes and diversity of the fossil record in the oceans through time. 

A combination of theory and practical examinations, plus one oral and written presentation on a selected fossil and one field report.

• Theory Exam (40%, LO1-3)
• Practical Examinations (30%, LO 1-3)
• An oral and a written presentation on a selected fossil (15%, LO 2)
• Field trip Assignment (15%, LO 2 and 3)

Students in the graduate level course (EMSC6019) will be required to demonstrate a more advanced level of knowledge in assessment items compared to the undergraduate level course (EMSC2019)

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.