| Unit name | Research and Systematic Methods in Palaeobiology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EASCM1004 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Braddy |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
First degree in suitable programme |
| Co-requisites | |
| School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The purpose of this unit is to complement your improved knowledge of palaeobiology by providing practical skills and analytical techniques that are used in modern palaeontological research. The main aims are: to learn appropriate techniques in the discovery and preparation of fossils; basic field skills; fossil photography, camera-lucida drawing; and to apply analytical palaeobiological and statistical approaches to data (e.g. multivariate analysis, collector curves, morphometrics, macroevolutionary patterns). The main focus of this unit is how to interpret evolutionary data from the fossil record, and to investigate evolutionary patterns and processes, which requires a thorough understanding of current systematic methods. This half of the unit uses critical reviews of the recent literature to illustrate the fundamental role of systematics in modern palaeobiology. Students are taught a variety of practical techniques to analyse data (e.g. cladistics, supertree techniques). Emphasis is placed on the most recent developments, and problems, in this field.
