Duration
25h Th, 15h Pr, 2d FW
Number of credits
| Master in geology (120 ECTS) | 4 crédits | |||
| Master in geology (60 ECTS) | 4 crédits |
Lecturer
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Palaeobiology analyses the evolution and ecology of fossil organisms. This course combines theoretical foundations with case studies and advanced analytical methods of fossil data.
The course is divided into three main chapters:
- Modalities of evolution and phylogeny
- Palaeoecology (taphonomy, functional morphology, ecological interactions, etc.).
- Modern techniques of palaeobiology
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
- Understanding the mechanisms of organismal evolution
- Understanding the processes of fossilisation, at various scales
- Interpret fossil assemblages and understand their biases and their palaeoenvironmental implications
- Plan and Conduct phylogenetic and palaeobiological analyses (morphospaces, clusters)
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Strong knowledge of the anatomy and classification of fossil animals
Mastery of some numerical tools (spreadsheets, R)
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures with multimedia support and samples examination. Crucial articles will have to be read before some of the theoretical courses, in order to organize round tables of discussion on important subjects such as the origin of morphological adaptations.
This course deliberately combines 'theory' and 'practicals'; several sessions will be mixed, in order to make direct links in the theoretical bases and their applications, for example in the field of phylogeny.
One mini-project in groups will also be organized in the field of quantitative palaeobiology.
Two one-day fieldtrips complete the teaching, illustrating palaeoecological relationships in very well preserved ecosystems of the Belgian Palaeozoic.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)
Face-to-face and readings before classes. Bilingual.
Recommended or required readings
The slides of the course will be available before each lecture.
Some aspects of the course are based on the following books (available at the Earth Science Library):
- Briggs DEG & Crowther PP. 2003. Palaeobiology II. Blackwell Publishing, 583pp.
- Martin RE. 1999. Taphonomy: a process approach. Cambridge University Press, 508pp.
- Selden P & Nudds J. 2012. Evolution of fossil ecosystems. Manson Publishing, 288pp.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination on the theoretical content and its application by the analysis of samples.
One mini-project per groups during the semester; these will be defended during the oral examination.
Work placement(s)
None.
Organizational remarks
Contacts
Prof. Valentin Fischer : 04 366 52 79 v.fischer@uliege.be
Dr. Julien Denayer : 04 366 32 48 julien.denayer@uliege.be
Evolution and Diversity Dynamics Lab.
Département de Géologie (B18). Quartier Agora, 14, allée du 6 Août, B-4000 Liège, Sart-Tilman.