Introduction to Paleontology
Code: 44790 ECTS Credits: 6| Degree | Type | Year | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4318288 Paleobiology and Fossil Record | OB | 0 | 1 |
Contact
- Name:
- Marcos Furio Bruno
- Email:
- marc.furio@uab.cat
Teaching groups languages
You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject. Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2023.
Teachers
- Josep Oriol Oms Llobet
- Judit Marigo Cortes
- Sara Tomas Lafaja
- Ramon Mercedes Martin
- Joan Madurell Malapeira
- Angel Hernandez Lujan
Prerequisites
Generic, as for the degree
Objectives and Contextualisation
Referring to knowledge
- Identify the fundamental concepts in palaeontology: species concepts, taxonomy, systematics and classification, taphonomy, paleoecology, paleobiogeography, paleoclimatology, the theory of evolution, concepts in biostratigraphy.
- Recognize the fundamental methods used in palaeontology: field sampling, main laboratory preparation methods, identification and description methods in the cabinet, main statistical methods in palaeontology, taphonomy and paleoecology methods, biostratigraphic methods.
Referring to skills
- Integrate concepts and methods to apply them to the resolution of a case study in palaeontology.
- Demonstrate analytical and critical capacity towards competing or alternative concepts and methods in a case study in palaeontology
- Know how to search scientific databases and use the results of texts published in specialized scientific journals to solve a case study in palaeontology.
Learning Outcomes
- CA01 (Competence) Know how to share knowledge about fossils by working in a multicultural team and in an international context.
- CA02 (Competence) Demonstrate proactivity and willingness to improve in order to continue learning independently through the use of palaeontology texts.
- CA03 (Competence) Act ethically in the study of the fossil record with regard to the preservation of cultural and natural heritage that reduces inequalities based on sex and gender.
- CA03 (Competence) Act ethically in the study of the fossil record with regard to the preservation of cultural and natural heritage that reduces inequalities based on sex and gender.
- KA01 (Knowledge) Identify fundamental concepts in palaeontology: concepts of species, taxonomy, systematics and classification, taphonomy, palaeoecology, palaeobiogeography, palaeoclimatology, the theory of evolution, concepts in biostratigraphy.
- KA02 (Knowledge) Recognise the fundamental methods used in palaeontology: field sampling, main preparation methods in the laboratory, identification and description methods in desk research, main statistical methods in palaeontology, taphonomy and palaeoecology, biostratigraphic methods.
- SA01 (Skill) Integrate concepts and methods for application to the resolution of a case study in palaeontology.
- SA02 (Skill) Demonstrate analytical and critical capacity regarding competing or alternative concepts and methods in a case study in palaeontology.
- SA03 (Skill) Know how to search scientific databases and use the results of texts published in specialised scientific journals to perform a case study in palaeontology.
Content
1) Evolutionary Theory. Explanation of the main current and past theories on the appearance and disappearance of species and their feedback with fossil evidence. Relation of the evolutionary theory with the methods of classification of fossil organisms. Systematics, taxonomy and phylogeny.
2) History of life and the Earth and fundamental principles of the nuclear thematic areas of palaeontology (taphonomy, biostratigraphy, palaaeoecology, paleobiogeography and palaeoclimatology) with special emphasis on the role of women in their development.
3) Main techniques for studying fossils. Sedimentary contextualization. Numerical models and data treatment. Measurements and current techniques. Software and hardware in the study of fossils.
Methodology
The "Introduction to paleontology" module (6 ECTS) is made up of three blocks, all of them taught by UAB faculty:
• Evolutionary Theory (2 ECTS)
• History and Fundamental Principles (2 ECTS)
• Study Techniques (2 ECTS)
Each of the blocks is organized into hybrid master classes (which may be both face-to-face and online) generally in sessions of 2 or 3 hours each. During the bulk of these classes, the theoretical concepts related to the three main blocks will be taught. However, it will also be proposed to carry out more practical and/or applied exercises (as well as the preparation of reports) to try to consolidate the previously explained concepts.
Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Activities
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Directed | |||
| Analysis of Scientific Papers | 10 | 0.4 | KA01, KA02, KA01 |
| Master Class | 35 | 1.4 | CA02, CA03, KA01, KA02, CA02 |
| Practical cases study | 8 | 0.32 | SA01, SA02, SA03, SA01 |
| Type: Autonomous | |||
| Online exercises | 10 | 0.4 | CA02, CA02 |
Assessment
Continuous assessment:
30% to 40% Theoretical tests/synthesis.
30% to 40% Exercises based on theoretical concepts.
20% Activities and Exercises.
10% Attendance and active participation in class.
Within the ranges indicated, the percentages could vary for each of the three blocks that make up the module.
Single evaluation:
100% Final exam which will include theoretical questions and possible exercises linked to theory. NOTE: The Faculty of Sciences of the UAB considers that the nature of the official postgraduate programs is radically opposed to the meaning of the single assessment and that the implementation of this assessment is detrimental to the student's training and the intrinsic prestige of the programme. Nonetheless, the Permanent Board approves that this module contemplates the possibility of a single evaluation in formal compliance with a prior agreement of the Governing Council.
Assessment Activities
| Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities and exercises | 20% | 12 | 0.48 | CA01, CA03, SA01 |
| Attendance and participation | 10% | 35 | 1.4 | CA03, KA02, SA01, SA02, SA03 |
| Exercises based on theoretical concepts | 35% | 20 | 0.8 | CA02, KA01, SA01 |
| Theory exercises | 35% | 20 | 0.8 | CA01, CA03, KA02, SA03 |
Bibliography
- Condie, K.C. 2011. Earth as an evolving Planetary System. Academic Press. 574 pp.
- Cowen, R. 2000. History of Life. Blackwell Science. Oxford. 432 p. ISBN0632 04444 6 (56 Cow)
- Dodd, R., Stanton. Jr. 1990. Paleoecology, concepts and applications. John Wiley and Sons.
- Donovan, S.K. (ed.) 1989. Mass Extinctions. Processes and Evidence. Belhaven Press. London. 265 p. ISBN 1 85293 059 4 (56.017.4 Mas)
- Doyle, P., Bennett, M.R., Baxter, A.N. 2001. The key to Earth History. Wiley. 293 p. ISBN 0 471 49215 9
- Dunbar, C.O. 1963. Geologia Histórica. Compañía Editorial Continental S.A. 556 p.
- Erwin, D.H. 2005. Extinction. How life on Earth Nearly Ended 250 Milion Years Ago. Princeton University Press. 296 pp.
- Levin, H. 2013. The earth through time. Wiley. 567 pp.
- Ogg, J.G., Ogg, G., Gradstein, F.M. 2008. The concise Geologic Time Scale. Cambridge University Press 177p. ISNB 978 0 521 89849
- Walliser, O.H. (ed). 1996. Global Events and event stratigraphy in the Phanerozoic. Springer. 333 p. ISBN 3540590560
Software
Basic software: Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) or similar
Drawing software: (Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Inkskape)