Key facts
UNE unit code: GEOL311
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
![UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/62891086779/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445517/e=never/k=556aef9a/fall-back_unit-image.jpg)
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 | Dates to be advised. 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 up to $400. 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)
![profile photo of John Paterson](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0007/451456/varieties/69x77.jpg)
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 | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
Online Quiz x 4 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Each worth 10% No. Words: 2000 |
Practical | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Online and intensive school practical work. No. Words: 2000 |
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
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024![Woman studying online at home](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0018/342720/studying-online-01.jpg)
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
![Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63307469788/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445464/e=never/k=97363331/Claire-Haiek-3.jpg)
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.