Duration
25h Th, 15h Pr, 2d FW
Number of credits
| Master in geology (120 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 processes of macro- and microevolution as well as ecological inferences on fossil organisms. This course combines theoretical foundations with case studies and advanced analytical methods applied to fossil data.
The course is divided into three main parts:
- Evolutionary processes and phylognies
- Palaeoecological inferences (taphonomy, functional morphology, ecological interactions, etc.).
- How to extract more from the fossil record? Modern quantitative methods 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, conduct, and interpret phylogenetic and palaeobiological analyses (morphospaces, clusters)
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Strong knowledge of the anatomy, ecology, and systematics of fossil animals.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures with multimedia support and examination of fossil samples. Crucial articles will have to be read before some of the theoretical courses, in order to organize round tables on key 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 is also 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, hybrid 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.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Written work / report
Additional information:
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.
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
Prof. Valentin Fischer : 04 366 52 79 v.fischer@uliege.be
Dr. Julien Denayer : 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.