Fossils – Interpreting Ancient Life



Overview

Fossils are the only way we can discover past life on Earth. When did life start? What were the first life forms like and how did they survive in what seems a hostile world to us?

The course will develop a good knowledge of the many types of past life, how to identify them, how they lived and even how they died. A hands on approach will get a close look at some of the most popular fossils. The tutor has a large collection that will be brought in each week to work on. Students can request a group to focus on if they want it included and can even bring in a few of their own to use in class. We will also look at where you might find fossils locally or further afield.

Programme details

Courses starts: 31 Oct 2023

Week 1: What is a fossil plus the first life on Earth

Week 2: How fossils are preserved and how to identify 8 main invertebrate groups

Week 3: A focus on the ammonites

Week 4: A focus on the trilobites

Week 5: Variety of life: many types of fossil you may come across, plus where to find fossils

Certification

Students who register for CATS points will receive a Record of CATS points on successful completion of their course assessment.

To earn credit (CATS points) you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Coursework is an integral part of all weekly classes and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework in order to benefit fully from the course. Only those who have registered for credit will be awarded CATS points for completing work at the required standard.

Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process can either register for CATS points prior to the start of their course or retrospectively from the January 1st after the current full academic year has been completed. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £140.00
Take this course for CATS points £10.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Jill Eyers

Dr Eyers is a UK geologist and lecturer with many years’ experience who has worked and travelled all over the world. She is an author of many scientific papers and books, and is a regular speaker on cruise ships.

Course aims

To give an introduction to past life on Earth through fossils, how they get preserved, and to discover more about the main groups.

Course objectives:

  • To develop skills in fossil identification based on body plan and special features.
  • To determine lifestyle from the features observed.
  • To explore the first life on Earth and some important groups of fossil.

Teaching methods

A variety of methods will be used such as introductory Powerpoint presentations, handling a range of fossils to make direct first-hand observations, using worksheets to assist interpretations, on-line research (additional activity only by choice), and using the students' own finds for class discussion and example.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be expected to:

  • explain what a fossil is and how they get preserved;
  • identify the main invertebrate groups from whole or partial fossils;
  • interpret an animal's potential lifestyle based on the physical features observed;
  • know where to find fossils in the UK.

Assessment methods

Students may choose any fossil group from the course and develop their knowledge of this group with a 1,500 word essay. The essay may be shorter if well illustrated with interpreted drawings or photographs. References to researched sources should be included. References are not included in the word count. Full advice and guidance will be provided by the tutor.

Students must submit a completed Declaration of Authorship form at the end of term when submitting your final piece of work. CATS points cannot be awarded without the aforementioned form - Declaration of Authorship form

Application

To earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form (Word) or enrolment form (Pdf).

Level and demands

The  level is introductory and suitable for those with little knowledge of fossils or geology. However, the skills developed will be built to provide a strong basis for personal development beyond the course.

Most of the Department's weekly classes have 10 or 20 CATS points assigned to them. 10 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of ten 2-hour sessions. 20 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of twenty 2-hour sessions. It is expected that, for every 2 hours of tuition you are given, you will engage in eight hours of private study.

Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS)

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support