School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
ESC-30025 Micropalaeontology: Principles and Applications  
Co-ordinator: Dr Michael Montenari    Room: WSF10A, Tel:33162  
Teaching Team:  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Geology Major (Level 3)
Geology Major (Level 3)
Geology Minor (Level 3)
Geoscience Single Honours (Level 3)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this module.
Barred Combinations
Not applicable.
Description

This course involves the study of major microfossil groups, their palaeogeographical, palaeoecological and biostratigraphical potential. An overview of the most important palaeoecological processes is presented. An introduction to state-of-the art Electron microscopic techniques (Fe-SEM and TEM) is included within this module.
Aims
  • The aim of the micropalaeontology module is to provide year 3 students with the key theoretical and practical issues of micropalaeontolgy and furthermore to introduce them to modern analytical facilities and methods (e.g. Electron Microscopy, statistcal palaeontological data analysis).
Intended Learning Outcomes
The students are able to demonstrate a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of:
  • Major micro - and macroevolutionary processes.
  • Processes controlling complex interacting palaeo-ecosystems (marine, terrestrial, lacustrine).
  • Palaeo-biogeography (provincialism) of the major microfossil groups.


The students develop subject-specific skills in the:
  • Identification (taxonomy and nomenclature) and the
  • Biostratigraphical analysis of the major microfossil groups.


The students posses skills in the:
  • Acquisition of quantitative scientific data and their subsequent
  • Analysis in terms of palaeo-ecological interpretations.


The students are able to:
  • Process, analyse and critically evaluate quantitative micropalaeontolical data.
  • Apply bio-mathematical and bio-statistical methods to quantitative-stratigraphical and palaeobiological problems.


The students are familiar with the physical theories and the application of modern analytical methods, which are at the forefront of the subject, including:
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
Study hours
  • 20 hours lectures
  • 30 hours practicals
  • 20 hours field exercise and laboratory work
  • 30 hours of practical work completion outside practical classes
  • 50 hours of independent study, revision and assessment.
Description of Module Assessment
1: Practical Assessment weighted 40%
practical based exercises
2: Practical Assessment weighted 20%
2 days field exercise and lab work
3: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 40%
2 hour unseen exam - short answer and essay questions
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.