Study information

Geological History of Life on Earth - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLEGeological History of Life on Earth CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM3071 MODULE CONVENERDr Sev Kender (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 15
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
Life on Earth is exceptionally diverse, but what can the fossil record tell us about its history and evolution? This course provides an overview of the key evolutionary developments of life, from the earliest fossils and the Cambrian Explosion, to the colonization of land and air by plants, insects, mammals, reptiles and birds, and the evolution of hominids. We will investigate the role of mass extinctions and climate change in the development of the tree of life, long term changes to biodiversity and evolutionary patterns, and the specific role of palaeontology to evolutionary theory. This includes examination of marine and terrestrial biotic evolution from micropalaeontology. This module will introduce numerical and geochemical methods used to investigate the fossil record and uncover its evolution, palaeobiology and palaeoenvironment.
 
There are no prerequisite module requirements, so this module is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.
AIMS - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide an overview and understanding of the tree of life, including the most important evolutionary developments and major extinctions, to assess long term changes in biodiversity and the fossil record. Students will gain practical experience of the methods used in palaeontology and micropalaeontology, and appreciation of the importance of preservation.
 
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Describe the major developments in the evolution of life

2 Demonstrate knowledge of evolution within the major fossil groups

3 Interpret palaeontological data with respect to family trees, palaeobiology and palaeoecology

4 Describe the contribution of palaeontology to our understanding of evolution

5 Describe the environmental and biological impact of major extinction events

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

6 Demonstrate knowledge of the stratigraphical importance of palaeontology

7 Explain the geological methods used to collect and analyse fossils

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

8 Collect and integrate different types of datasets and report the results accordingly

9 Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate scientific data

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
  1. History of life, evolution from earliest beginnings to Cambrian Explosion and modern fauna
  2. Evolutionary theory, convergence, divergence, etc.
  3. Evolution of plants including pollen
  4. Vertebrate skeleton, fish to reptiles
  5. Evolutionary history of insects
  6. Marine extinction and revolution (Permian-Triassic), rise of Mesozoic oceans and microplankton (foraminifera, radiolarians and coccoliths)
  7. Cenozoic oceans and plankton (diatoms, dinoflagellates)
  8. Reptiles, dinosaurs, including exceptional preservation
  9. Mammal evolution and hominids, intelligence
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 26 Guided Independent Study 124 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 26
26 hours of lectures and practical work.
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 124
Independent study guided by reading list.

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Drop in coursework plan clinic Approx. 1 hr 7, 8, 9
Oral, informal session held during the assignment period to address any deficiencies in skills or knowledge

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Presentation 40 Review of the evidence for an aspect of evolution of life on Earth 7, 8, 9
Mark and individual feedback via attainment against proforma marking scheme
Coursework 60 Material covered in lectures and practical classes 1-7 Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Presentation (40%) Additional presentation 1-7 August Ref/Def Period
Coursework (60%) Additional coursework 1-7 August Ref/Def Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic Reading: ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Web based and Electronic Resources:  

Other Resources:

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES CSM2183
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 13th March 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH Palaeontology, palaeobiology, evolution, extinction

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.