2023

General Paleontology

Name: General Paleontology
Code: GEO13326L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area: Geology

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

In this training, students develop skills in the analysis of the biological evolution of living beings over time, based on the study, analysis, and interpretation of fossils, applying the knowledge acquired in paleoecological and paleoenvironmental reconstructions.

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

a) Providing the students with the knowledge of the biological evolution of living beings through time, based on the study, analysis and interpretation of fossils.
b) Recognize basic features of the biological evolution of major living beings groups over time.
c) Estimate the relative age of the geological formations based on the occurrence of several groups of fossils.
d) Apply the acquired knowledge in the palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.
e) Recognize the importance of Palaeontology in the support of Economic Geology.

Contents

1. Introduction to Paleontology;
2. History of Paleontology in Portugal;
3. Taphonomy: Biological and geological factors;
4. Fossilization: Main types of fossilization;
5. Techniques used in Paleontology;
6. Paleontological systematics;
7. Micropaleontology;
8. Paleobotany;
9. Paleozoology;
10. Human paleontology;

Teaching Methods

In the first sessions, the students become familiar with some techniques used in the Palaeontology work (e.g., fossil preparation, washing disaggregated sediments, treatments with acids, the concentration of the material, molding, and reconstitution). The rest will be reserved for the study of fossils groups mentioned in the classes. In each class, the students observe fossil specimens and fill out note cards.
The evaluation of the acquired knowledge by students will be made regarding the University of Évora rules. The students will conduct a written test and prepare a research paper on a subject directly related to the module.
In both cases (written test and work) students are evaluated taking into account the theoretical and practical subjects in order to determine whether the essential objectives of the teaching have been reached.
Continuous assessment: 1st and 2nd tests (70%) + work (30%); or Exam: Written test (70%) + work (30%).

Teaching Staff

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