Applied Palaeobiology

Description

This course will focus on the practical analysis and application of macro and microfossils in determining past environments and evolutionary patterns. It is recommended for all students interested in palaeontology or Quaternary Science. The course starts with a 2 day field trip to Oamaru to collect individual project data for analysis in the lab over the first term. Through these projects students will gain skills, and develop an understanding of, the description of fossil material, the influence of bias in data collection, and the impacts of depositional processes on the quality and applicability of fossil data. In seminar based classes in term 2 students will gain practical experience in spoken communication and critical evaluation through weekly 10-15 minute presentations of coordinated topics. This will be followed by a whole class discussion of the week’s topic, as a means of developing critical assessment. Topics covered will include the concepts of the application of microfossils in environmental and palaeoseismology studies, their influence on palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, and the evolution and biogeography of the NZ biota. Topics covered in these seminar sessions can be tailored to suit the interests of the class.