To introduce evolutionary theory and how fossils contribute to the study of evolution;
To provide an overview of the most important events in the history of life on Earth and an understanding of stratigraphy;
To demonstrate the interconnectedness of life and the environment through geological time;
To develop skills in the interpretation and manipulation of palaeontological and related data, and the synthesis of data and literature in producing coherent scientific argument.

(LO1) On successful completion of this module, students will understand how evolution occurs and how evolutionary relationships can be deduced from fossils

(LO2) On successful completion of this module, students will understand the spatial and temporal controls on biodiversity and corresponding patterns in the fossil record

(LO3) On successful completion of this module, students will understand the interconnectedness of life with the climate, atmosphere and oceans

(LO4) On successful completion of this module, students will have an appreciation of the key events in the evolution of life on Earth and their wider implications

(LO5) On successful completion of this module, students will have developed a critical understanding of aspects of cutting edge palaeontological research

(S1) Information literacy online - finding, interpreting, evaluating, managing and sharing information

(S2) Learning skills online - studying and learning effectively in technology-rich environments, formal and informal

(S3) Self-management - readiness to accept responsibility (i.e. leadership), flexibility, resilience, self-starting, initiative, integrity, willingness to take risks, appropriate assertiveness, time management, readiness to improve own performance based on feedback/reflective learning

(S4) Team (group) working - respecting others, co-operating, negotiating / persuading, awareness of interdependence with others

(S5) Research management - developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, collecting & using data, applying research methods

(S6) Problem solving/ critical thinking - creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S7) Communication - listening and questioning, respecting others, contributing to discussions

(S8) Application of literacy - ability to produce clear, structured written work and oral literacy - including listening and questioning

(S9) Application of numeracy - manipulation of numbers, general mathematical awareness and its application in practical contexts

(S10) Through data analysis and discussion students will develop skills to analyse and critique the methodology and conclusions in published work

Topics included in this module are:
Evolution of life on Earth: key events in the history of life (e.g. origin of life, vertebrate evolution, fin to limb transition, flight, mass extinctions, human evolution...) using Lagerstatten to illustrate key time periods and fossils
Fossils & evolution: how evolution occurs, reconstructing evolutionary relationships, patterns in the fossil record, the molecular clock
Applications of palaeontology: what fossils can (and can't tell us) and how we can use that information

Practicals will cover:
Taxonomic description
Classification and evolution
Phylogeny reconstruction
Patterns in the fossil record
Palaeobiogeography

The module will assume knowledge of common invertebrate fossils introduced in ENVS118, using these as examples for understanding evolutionary theory and phylogenetic analysis. In addition, we will study the evolutionary history of life on Earth - focussing on key events a nd how changing life is linked to a changing planet. Finally, we will look at what fossils can (and can't tell us) and the ways in which fossil data can be applied.

Many library resources will be accessible through the module reading list, with other key learning resources (lecture and practical handouts, model answers, some supplementary reading) accessible through VITAL. You will be expected to read widely - certainly the book chapters / research papers outlined at the end of each lecture should be read thoroughly, and more extensive reading may be necessary to cement your understanding of the topics introduced in this module.

Teaching Method 1 - On-campus Lectures
Description: Introduce the main topics and discuss the main research tools. Students will be expected to engage in discussion of key topics.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminars
Description: Discussion sessions - based on directed reading and critique of key papers. Students will be expected to read material and be prepared to engage in discussion of key topics. Active learning (particularly critical analysis and reflection) is necessary to effectively participate in these sessions.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 - Practical Work
Description: Practical exercises to development working knowledge of key concepts and ideas. Students are encouraged to work together to solve practical problems. They will be expected to complete worksheets, partly in the practical session but then completed outside the timetabled hours. Active learning (particularly problem solving) is necessary to effecti vely participate in practical sessions.
Attendance Recorded: Yes