Fossils
Tutor: Mike Horne FGS
For the University of Hull, Centre for Lifelong Learning.
This is a practical course introducing the major groups of fossils, paying particular attention to those that can be found in Eastern England. We will investigate what fossils can tell us about ancient environments and the story of evolution. Students will use the fossils in the University's Collection and borrow a set of fossils for home study.
Content:-
How fossils are formed.
The classification of fossil and living organisms.
Physiology of the major groups and how this can enable us to reconstruct past
environments.
We will study bivalves, brachiopods, ammonites, belemnites, echinoids, trace
fossils and perhaps other groups if time permits.
Health and safety and the care of specimens will also be introduced in the course.
Where to find fossils in East Yorkshire.
If time permits we may also study the evolution of some of the groups of fossils
and extinction events.
This course is for those interested
in Earth Sciences, evolution and collecting fossils. It offers techniques that
they would not normally encounter, but would be able to continue as an amateur
after the course.
No previous experience or knowledge is assumed, but those with experience may
be able to undertake more detailed laboratory work, in an area of study that
interests them, after discussion with the tutor.
We will study specimens in the University collection and students will borrow a set of specimens for study at home. Students will be asked to produce illustrated notes based on their practical work for assessment. A variety of books will be available for loan from the book box.
The course starts on Wednesday 27th September 2006 and is due to end on Wednesday 29th November 2006. We will not stop for half-term. It consists of ten Wednesday evening meetings from 7-30 pm until 9-30pm in the Geography Department at the University of Hull.
