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Palaeontology - BIOL261

This unit is a broad, introductory survey of the fossil record of life on Earth. Students investigate patterns of evolution and mass extinctions; waxing and waning of faunal provinces; fossil communities; taxonomic nomenclature; evolutionary significance and morphology of the main groups of fossil animals and plants; principals of biostratigraphy; and the applications of palaeontology to solving geological, ecological and biological problems. A one day voluntary excursion to the Hunter Valley is also available.

Credit Points: 3
When Offered:

D2 - Day; Offered in Session 2, North Ryde

X2 - External study; Offered in Session 2 (On-campus dates: 1-2 September, 6-7 October, 13 October (F))

Staff Contact(s): Dr James Valentine
Prerequisites:

12cp Prerequisite Information

Corequisites:

NCCW(s): GEOS235
Unit Designation(s):

Science

Unit Type: Planet unit
Assessed As: Graded
Offered By:

Department of Biological Sciences

Faculty of Science

Timetable Information

For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website