EMSC6019 Geobiology and Evolution of Life on Earth

Offered By	Research School of Earth Sciences
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Earth and Marine Science
Offered in	Second Semester, 2012 and Second Semester, 2013
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, 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 attend joint classes with undergraduates (EMSC2019) but will be assessed separately and to an advanced level of knowledge
Learning Outcomes	On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: Demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of life on Earth and outline and analyse how organisms contributed to the changes that occurred on land and in the oceans. Describe and differentiate between the different extinct fossil groups including contrasting their form and function. Recognise and explain the changes and diversity of the fossil record in the oceans through time.
Indicative Assessment	A combination of theory and practical examinations, plus one oral and written presentation on a selected fossil and one field report. A more advanced level of knowledge will be expected for this graduate course compared to the undergraduate level course (EMSC2019) Theory Exam (40%, LO 1-3) 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)
Workload	A maximum of 39 hours of lectures/tutorials and 26 hours of laboratories plus a field excursion
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 Earth Science/Geology or first year Biology.
Incompatibility	EMSC2019
Prescribed Texts	Clarkson, E. N. K. (1998) Invertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution. Chapman and Hall, 4th ed.
Academic Contact	Professor Patrick De Deckker

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