GEOL 480
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Paleontology
Geological Sciences
College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Course Description
Distribution, morphology, paleoecology, evolution, and stratigraphic significance of organisms in the geologic record. Field trips.
When Taught
Fall Odd Years
Min
3
Fixed/Max
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
2
Title
Fundamentals
Learning Outcome
Demonstrate understanding of the nature of fossils and types of fossilization that turn organic remains into fossils.
Title
Nature of the Fossil Record-Taphonomy
Learning Outcome
Be able to explain the incompleteness of the fossil record and the taphonomic processes that affect fossils between death and burial and burial and discovery.
Title
Taxonomy and Morphology
Learning Outcome
Be able to recognize the major groups of invertebrate fossils on the basis of their morphology and be able to identify key index fossils to the species level.
Title
Uses of Fossils
Learning Outcome
Demonstrate understanding of the uses of fossils in solving geological problems: paleoenvironments, relative age, paleocology.
Title
Evolution
Learning Outcome
Understand the role of fossils in demonstrating the patterns of evolution through time.
