Unit information: Phylogenetic Methods in Palaeobiology in 2011/12

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Unit name Phylogenetic Methods in Palaeobiology
Unit code EASCM0035
Credit points 10
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Professor. Mike Benton
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

School/department School of Earth Sciences
Faculty Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

The unit covers statistical techniques to analyse palaeontological data; recording palaeontological data in the field; producing publication-quality figures; learning various techniques that will benefit your research project. Learn transferable skills useable outside palaeontology (e.g. photography, statistical software). The main focus of this unit, however, is to interpret data from the fossil record, to investigate evolutionary patterns and processes, which require a thorough understanding of current systematic methods. This unit uses critical reviews of the recent literature to illustrate the fundamental role of systematics in palaeobiology. Students are taught a variety of practical techniques to analyse evolutionary data (e.g. cladistics, supertree techniques). Emphasis is placed on the most recent developments, and problems, in this field.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes of this unit are mainly practical, including the ability to:

  • Prepare macro- and microfossil specimens for study.
  • Use statistical techniques to analyse palaeontological data.
  • Record appropriate palaeontological data in the field.
  • Produce publication-quality plates and illustrations.
  • Learn various techniques that will benefit your research project.
  • Learn transferable skills that are of use outside palaeontology (e.g. photography, statistical software).
  • Analyse morphological and molecular data to determine the evolutionary relationships of living and extinct organisms.
  • Use appropriate software (e.g. Paup, MacClade), including original software developed in Bristol to test the veracity of phylogenetic hypotheses.

Teaching Information

Lectures (15 hours) and practicals (15 hours)

Assessment Information

The assessment is entirely by continuous assessment and is divided into two parts: 1, Statistical assignment (50%) and 2, a phylogeny assignment (50%).

Reading and References

  • Benton, M. J. and Harper, D. A. T. (2009) Introduction to Paleobiology and the fossil record. Wiley-Blackwell.
  • Briggs, D. E. G. and Crowther, P. R. (2001) Palaeobiology II. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.
  • Foote, M. & Miller, A. I. (2006) Principles of paleontology. W.H. Freeman, San Francisco.
  • Smith, A.B. 1994. Systematics and the fossil record. Blackwell

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