Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL311
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
The study of palaeontology and stratigraphy allows us to understand the diverse ways in which species have adapted — both in time and space — to the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly changing world. This knowledge can help us make better predictions about the future, for example, as the impacts of climate change increase.
This unit combines online study with intensive practical work to introduce you to the key topics in both palaeontology and stratigraphy.
Exploring the history of life on Earth, you will delve into the origins and early evolution of animals, and investigate important topics such as classification, taphonomy (fossil preservation), ichnology (trace fossils), palaeoecology, biogeography, and mass extinctions.
Study of the stratigraphic record, especially in the context of geologic time, will focus on fundamental concepts in lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 6 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The Intensive School is mandatory for both on campus and online students, involving a field trip to the South Coast of New South Wales. No activities will take place at the UNE Armidale campus. Students have the option to join the trip in Armidale, Wollongong, or Ulladulla. The off-campus Intensive School may incur additional expenses, for further information please contact the unit coordinator. In addition, students will be responsible for travel to and from the intensive school as well as all meals. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
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:
- apply and explain the main concepts and principles in palaeontology and stratigraphy; this will also demonstrate the student's ability to analyse and evaluate information and transmit knowledge to others using written and verbal formats;
- demonstrate a broad coherent theoretical/technical knowledge by identifying the major fossil groups;
- apply fundamental palaeontological and stratigraphical field and laboratory techniques thereby demonstrating the student can work autonomously using well-developed judgement; and
- demonstrate a broad coherent theoretical/technical knowledge by comparing and contrasting the major events and phases in the history of life on Earth.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Yes | 15% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Intensive school work - Assurance Task | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Intensive school practical work. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Online practical exercises | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Online practical work. No. Words: 1000 |
| Oral Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Approximately 10 minutes. Oral assessments will be done in real time either face to face (on campus) or via zoom/teams (off campus). To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Oral Presentation - Assurance Task and Intensive school work - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.. |
| Series of Online Quizzes | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
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.
Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record
ISBN: 9781119272854
Benton, M.J. and Harper, D.A.T., Wiley-Blackwell 2nd ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
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