Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Evolution of Vertebrates
School	School of Geog Earth & Env Sci
Department	Earth and Environ Sciences
Module Code	03 10820
Module Lead	Dr I J Sansom
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-18 hours Practical Classes and workshops-27 hours Guided independent study-155 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions	None
Description	The module will examine the evolution and palaeobiology of vertebrate groups with emphasis on the evolutionary origins of distinct types of skeletal architecture. The practicals will involve the examination and comparison of fossil and recent vertebrates and employ cladistic methods to analyse relationships.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module the student should be able to: Describe, in detail, the evolutionary history and palaeobiology of extant and extinct vertebrate groups; Evaluate the techniques used to analyse their phylogenetic relationships.
Assessment	10820-01 : Examination : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%) 10820-02 : Coursework : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1.5 hour written examination (50%). Assessment: multi-authored review article and presentations (50%).
Other	None
Reading List	Benton, Vertebrate Palaeontology: 3rd Edition (2005)