Undergraduate Course: History of Life (EASC08012)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Earth Science |
Other subject area | Environmental Courses |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | 1. Standing diversity on the planet is the product of over 3 billion years of evolution.
2. An appreciation of that narrative of evolutionary change gives depth and definition to any understanding of current diversity.
3. The fossil record and genetic studies offer complimentary approaches to this discipline.
This course will describe the history of life as it has evolved through time. Major topics will include the origin of life and of complicated life. The Cambrian explosion and the origin of modern phyla, innovation in the marine realm; trilobites, ammonites, sea lilies, the movement of life onto land, the origin of major plant groups, the Mesozoic world, dinosaurs, marine reptiles and pterosaurs. Mass extinctions. Mammals and humans. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | Entry at Course Organiser's discression if students have suitable backsground |
| Additional Costs | None |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
| By the end of this course, students will have developed a broad knowledge of how diversity has increased over the last 3.5 billion years through an examination of fossil and other evidence and by discussing major theories that are used to explain the changes seen. They will gain an appreciation of how the modern diversity of organisms is the product of Darwinian evolution and an understanding of the underlying evolutionary and ecological controls on diversity change. Students will synthesise the key areas of a chosen aspect of the history of life in the assessed independent essay. Students will consider both the fossil record and genetic studies which are key components in this field through the practical classes and computer and tutorial supported independent study. |
Assessment Information
exam - 40%
practical work - 30%
essay - 30% |
Special Arrangements
| This course has a quota and will only be available to Geology students and up to 30 Geology and Physical Geography students. |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | HoL |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Sue Rigby
Tel: (0131 6)50 8543
Email: sue.rigby@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Nicola Muir
Tel: (0131 6)50 4842
Email: Nikki.Muir@ed.ac.uk |
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