University Course Planner The University of Adelaide Australia

PALAEO 3005 - Geochronology, Fossils and Palaeoenvironments III

Career: Undergraduate
Units: 3
Term: 4210
Campus: North Terrace
Contact: Up to 6 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange: Yes
Available for Non-Award Study: Yes
Pre-Requisite: Either GEOLOGY 2500 or ENV BIOL 2501
Assumed Knowledge: GEOLOGY 2500 if not taken to satisfy prerequisite, or ENV BIOL 2501 if not taken to satisfy prerequisite.
Assessment: Practical assignments, theory assignment, online quizzes, final exam.
Syllabus:

This course provides an advanced understanding of modern palaeontology as a multidisciplinary subject spanning the interface between geology and biology. It focuses on the importance of integrating knowledge about fossils, geological processes, sedimentary archives and geochronology to fully understand the history of life. Students will discover the types of modern scientific approaches used to contextualise and interpret fossil records, including the techniques used to determine the age of fossils and undertake palaeoenvironmental reconstructions from fossil deposits. The course will detail key events in the evolution and extinction of plants and animals, with a strong emphasis on examples from the Australian fossil record, and will explore how changes in diversity through time have been related to major geological, environmental and geographic change. Several core topics are integrated into the course with the aim of examining the fundamental role played by palaeontology in the broader study of earth, life and environmental sciences, including: understanding fossilisation processes (taphonomy); the stratigraphic context of fossil records; using fossils to tell time; advances in radiometric dating techniques; reconstructing past environments and palaeoecologies; using fossils to inform conservation strategies (palaeoconservation); fossil curation and management. Students will be given the opportunity to critically debate contemporary issues and controversies in modern palaeontological science, and engage in informed discussions of ‘big picture’ palaeontology topics.

Course Fees

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Student Status

Domestic
International

What type of place are you studying in

Commonwealth supported
Full fee paying

Study Level

Undergraduate
Postgraduate Coursework
Non Award

Program of Study

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The fees displayed below for international students are for students commencing a program in 2024 only. International students who commenced a program in 2023 or prior can find their fee here.

Units
EFTSL
Amount
3
0.125
          
  


Course Outline

A Course Outline which includes Learning Outcomes, Learning Resources, Learning & Teaching for this course may be accessed here


Critical Dates

Term Last Day to Add Online Census Date Last Day to WNF Last Day to WF
4210 Tue 15/03/2022 Thu 24/03/2022 Fri 06/05/2022 Fri 10/06/2022


Class Details

Enrolment Class: Practical
Class Nbr Section Size Available Dates Days Time Location
11523 PR01 50 14 1 Mar - 8 Mar Tuesday 1pm - 5pm Mawson, 134, Sprigg Room
15 Mar - 15 Mar Tuesday 1pm - 5pm Johnson, 111, Computer Suite
15 Mar - 15 Mar Tuesday 1pm - 5pm Mawson, 134, Sprigg Room
22 Mar - 5 Apr Tuesday 1pm - 5pm Mawson, 134, Sprigg Room
26 Apr - 7 Jun Tuesday 1pm - 5pm Mawson, 134, Sprigg Room
Related Class: Lecture
Class Nbr Section Size Available Dates Days Time Location
11522 LE01 50 14 1 Mar - 5 Apr Tuesday 10am - 12pm Napier, 209, Lecture Theatre
26 Apr - 7 Jun Tuesday 10am - 12pm Napier, 209, Lecture Theatre
Note: This course is not available for remote study.