This unit covers a variety of topics in both palaeontology and stratigraphy, including evolution, phylogeny, early life forms, Ediacaran life, the Cambrian explosion, taphonomy (fossil preservation), palaeoecology, palaeobiogeography, extinctions, lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and chronostratigraphy. The unit will also cover the major invertebrate fossil groups such as trilobites, brachiopods, molluscs, echinoderms, sponges, corals, bryozoans and graptolites, in addition to microfossils and trace fossils. The unit will include a field excursion.