Fall 2021 - EASC 310W D100

Paleontology (3)

Class Number: 1317

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 210. Recommended: BISC 102. All with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Principles of classification, morphology and development of the major groups of animals and plants in the geological record; the paleoecologic significance of fossils. Students with credit for EASC 203 or EASC 310 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

REQUIREMENT DESIGNATION: W
EASC 310W is an introduction to Paleontology, tracing the evolution of life based on evidence from the fossil record. The course will concentrate on invertebrate fossil groups and the various morphological criteria necessary for their identification. In addition, the course will consider the principles of preservation, classification and paleoecological interpretation, in relation to the main fossil groups important to geology. Lectures will provide the necessary theoretical framework. Laboratory work will focus on examining morphological elements of the main invertebrate fossil groups and their classification and analytical techniques. This course is offered as a Writing Intensive course.

Course Topics:

  1. Introduction to paleontology, the fossil record and variations in fossils, principles of preservation, taphonomy.
  2. A brief summary of the early Earth and the origin of life,
  3. A discussion of species and speciation, and systematics.
  4. Use of paleontological data, microfossils, adaptation and functional morphology, biostratigraphy, paleoecology, biogeography.
  5. Analysis of organisms' adaptive abilities to better suit their environment; the influence of plate tectonics and paleoclimates on the evolution of life; mass extinction events.

Course Organization:

One 2-hour lecture/week (delivered in person)

One 3-hour laboratory period every week (in person)

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • recognize, describe and classify a wide range of invertebrate fossil groups and understand their temporal position in Earth history.
  • understand functional morphology and evolutionary pathways for fossil groups and their roles in biostratigraphy and paleoecological interpretations.
  • identify a number of zone fossils from different time periods.
  • understand the role plate tectonics played in the evolution and extinction of life through Earth history.
  • demonstrate improved technical writing skills through a series of writing exercises.

Grading

  • Lab Assignments 20%
  • Lab Exam 1 25%
  • Lab Exam 1 25%
  • Paper 30%

NOTES:

The Fall 2021 offering of EASC 310W is via in-person instruction for both lectures and labs.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Course E-Text:
Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record 2nd Edition by Michael J. Benton and David A. T. Harper; Wiley-Blackwell [$79.99 on Wiley.com]
ISBN: 9781119272885

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.