ESC-10076 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

In this module you will learn the principles of stratigraphy and gain an understanding of the palaeobiological and evolutionary development on Planet Earth. You will also learn the terminology, nomenclature and classification of the main fossil groups and how fossils can be used to date rocks and indicate their environment of formation. The field course will introduce you to the collection and documentation of geological information in the field, including how to make a geological map, which is an important skill that you will develop throughout the course of your degree.

This module provides an introduction to the principles of stratigraphy as well as the palaeobiological and evolutionary developments on Planet Earth, including the evolution of the atmosphere. It also introduces students to the identification of the principal fossil groups and how fossils can be used to date rocks and indicate their environment of formation. The module also includes a residential field course where you will develop and apply a range of geological skills knowledge.

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain the principles of stratigraphy, and apply and evaluate the major stratigraphical methods: 1,2
describe the palaeobiological evolution of the Earth and the development of the atmosphere through time: 2
describe the history of life on Earth, and identify, classify and describe the main fossils groups that are preserved within the geological record: 2
measure and record field geological information, and make basic interpretations in the field of past geological environments based on the relationships between different geological features: 1

Study hours

Active Learning:
22 hrs Lecture / Lecture equivalent
33 hrs Practical
35 hrs Fieldwork
Independent Study:
70 hrs private study/assignment completion

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment