The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the study of sediments and sedimentary rocks and to introduce the main groups of common fossil.

The module aims to cover the basic language used to describe sediments and fossils and gives an introduction to a range of physical, chemical and biological concepts.

The students are introduced to the economic significance of sediments and sedimentary rocks and how fossils provide information on geological time, evolutionary history and ancient environments.

(LO1) On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to describe sediments and sedimentary rocks at outcrop, hand specimen and thin section scales, identifying and naming key structures and fabrics.

(LO2) On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between process and product for both depositional and diagenetic features, and be able to discuss the utility of sedimentary rocks to determine processes and, to a lesser extent, environment.

(LO3) On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to describe, identify and interpret the main features of common invertebrate and plant fossils.

(LO4) On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how organisms are preserved as fossils, and of the utility of fossils to identify ancient modes of life, environments and relative ages of rocks.

(S1) Problem solving skills - practical work aimed at development of logical interpretation

(S2) Collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the laboratory

(S3) Commercial awareness - lecture and practical course content covering economic applications of sedimentology and palaeontology

(S4) Communicating appropriately in written and graphical forms

(S5) Analysing, synthesising and summarising information.

(S6) Applying knowledge and understanding

Sedimentology part of course covers:
Origins of clastic grains
Fluid flow, transport mechanisms, basic fluid dynamics
Sedimentary structures
Carbonate grains and carbonate rocks
Diagenetic processes and environments
Clay minerals and mudrocks

Palaeontology part of course covers:
Fossil preservation
Uses of fossils - palaeoenvironmental analysis, biostratigraphy and evolutionary studies
Morphology and evolutionary history of the following common fossil groups: arthropods, brachiopods, corals, echinoderms, graptolites, molluscs, plant fossils and trace fossils

Teaching Method 1 - On-campus Lectures
Description: the main module topics will be introduced in on-campus lectures, with in class activities designed to promote active learning.

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: practical sessions are designed to run alongside the lectures and systematically build knowledge and understanding. The practical sessions are a mixture of paper-based exercises and more hands-on, specimen-based activities.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Students will need to complete work based on the practical sessions outside of the timetabled slots.