PALAEO 3005 - Geochronology, Fossils and Palaeoenvironments III

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.