Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LM Evolution of Vertebrates
School	School of Geog Earth & Env Sci
Department	Earth and Environ Sciences
Module Code	03 18108
Module Lead	Dr I J Sansom
Level	Masters 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
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 and assess the data on which current understanding is based; Evaluate the techniques used in phylogenetic analysis. Taught content is shared with ESC M319 (03 10820). As a Level M option, this module requires students to build on their greater geological knowledge and skills in demonstrating a higher degree of creativity, initiative and independence in learning, and a greater awareness of the issues underpinning advances in the relevant areas of the Earth sciences.
Assessment	18108-01 : Coursework : Coursework (50%) 18108-06 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	1.5 hour written examination (50%). Assessment: multi-authored review article and presentations (50%).
Other	None
Reading List	Carroll, Vertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution (1988) Benton, Vertebrate Palaeontology 3rd Edition (2005)