Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL210
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
This unit presents a general introduction to dinosaurs, their position in the history of life, along with their rise, fall and survival.
Through a “dinosaur lens”, you will learn about major transitions in the history of life and their relationship to Earth Systems, such as plate tectonics and environmental changes.
Completing this unit will provide you with a basic understanding of evolution as interpreted from the fossil record, where you will learn to explain the geological and biological importance of fossils. You will explore the life and times of dinosaurs throughout the Mesozoic Era, after which you will be able to distinguish between major groups of dinosaurs and use their anatomy to evaluate dinosaur growth, behaviour and evolution.
This unit assumes no previous scientific studies and is suitable for commencing science students and those with a general interest in palaeontology, geology and/or biology.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
There are no requisites for this unit.
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all seminar and tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all sessions is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify major transitions in the evolution of life on Earth;
- relate Earth Systems to the evolution of life, in particular those associated with dinosaur origins, survival and extinction;
- demonstrate the importance of fossils for geological and biological understandings;
- explain the position of dinosaurs in the Tree of Life;
- identify major dinosaur groups based on key anatomical characteristics; and
- use anatomical characteristics to interpret dinosaur biology.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Related to the topics covered in the lectures and readings in the second half of the unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Topic Presentation – Assurance Task, the Mid-Tri Quiz - Assurance Task and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Mid-Tri Quiz - Assurance Task | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Related to the topics covered in the lectures and readings in the first half of the unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Topic Presentation – Assurance Task, the Mid-Tri Quiz - Assurance Task and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised quiz during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Online Practicals | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Students will carry out a number of practical exercises using virtual fossil specimens. Weightings of each practical will vary based on complexity, combining to 50% of the final grade. Equivalent to approximately 20 hours. |
| Topic Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | You will develop and present a slide show or poster presentation on a dinosaur topic. The topic will be presented live, and you will have the option to present to the class or to the marker only; presentations will be followed by a short, assessed, question period. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Topic Presentation – Assurance Task, the Mid-Tri Quiz - Assurance Task and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Dinosaurs: How We Know What We Know.
ISBN: 9780367563813
Mary Higby Schweitzer, Elena Rita Schroeter, Charles Doug Czajka., CRC Press 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Dinosaurs: A Concise Natural History.
ISBN: 9781108469296
David E. Fastovsky, David B. Weishampel, Cambridge University Press. 4th 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs.
ISBN: 9781509830091
Steve Brusatte, Picador 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
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