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.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates (EMSC2019) but will be assessed separately and to an advanced level of knowledge
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
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.
Other Information
Field Trip: There may be a 2 day field trip to the South Coast.
If there is a fieldtrip students will be required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the field trip. The cost for the trip in 2013 was $110. Payments may be made at the Science Cashier, Bldg 42 or online at ScienceShop http://scienceshop.anu.edu.au/
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)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
A maximum of 39 hours of lectures/tutorials and 26 hours of laboratories plus a field excursion
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Textbook:
Senden, Paul, Nudds, John (2012)
Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems (Acedemic Press) 2nd
edition,
Optional advanced reading:
Clarkson, E. N. K. (1998) Invertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution. Chapman and Hall, 4th ed.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $1650 | |
| 2014 | $2946 | |
| 2013 | $2946 | |
| 2012 | $2946 | |
| 2011 | $2946 | |
| 2010 | $2916 | |
| 2009 | $2916 | |
| 2008 | $2916 | |
| 2007 | $2520 | |
| 2006 | $2520 | |
| 2005 | $2520 | |
| 2004 | $2160 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $3606 |
| 2014 | $3762 |
| 2013 | $3756 |
| 2012 | $3756 |
| 2011 | $3756 |
| 2010 | $3750 |
| 2009 | $3618 |
| 2008 | $3618 |
| 2007 | $3618 |
| 2006 | $3618 |
| 2005 | $3618 |
| 2004 | $3618 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7441 | 21 Jul 2014 | 08 Aug 2014 | 31 Aug 2014 | 30 Oct 2014 | In Person | N/A |