Introduction to Fossils

Combining short lectures with extensive practical work on fossil material, the course will cover on selected examples basic concepts of paleontology, including how fossils are formed and preserved, classified and identified and applied as indicators of age and environment. The course is a pre-requisite for being able to make use of fossils found in the field during field camps and mapping camps.

Understanding how fossils are formed, preserved, studied and applied.

Concepts and knowledge that is being practiced in the course are directly linked with the content of the theoretical lectures of the module and questions from both Introduction to Biology and Earth History may relate to the content of the practical.

written exam

See literature for the module.

1st SWS: Origin and preservation of fossils
2nd SWS: Trilobites and Graptolites
3rd SWS: Corals and reefs
4th SWS: Cephalopods
5th SWS: Bivalves und Brachiopods
6th SWS: Paleobotany
7th SWS: Microfossils

Gesteinssammlung