BI3PRFC: Palaeoecology Research Field Course

Module code: BI3PRFC

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 3 (Honours)

When you'll be taught: Summer / Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Brian Pickles, email: b.j.pickles@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Louise Johnson, email: l.j.johnson@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( TAKE BI2PB2 AND TAKE BI2CV1 ) OR ( TAKE BI2ERD4 AND TAKE BI2EV45 ) (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE BI3MBFC (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This is a unique research-focused field course hosted between the University of Reading, the University of New England (Australia), and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology (Canada). The key aims are to provide you with an in-depth introduction to the study of palaeontology and palaeoecology, from the latest analytical methods to hands-on practical field research in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada. You will benefit from excellent practical and academic skills training with world experts in Dinosaur palaeontology and the course is particularly appropriate for those considering a research career. Note that the field work is physically demanding.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Undertake practical fieldwork in palaeontology and palaeoecology applying modern fossil extraction and mapping techniques in dinosaur quarries and Late Cretaceous bonebeds
2. Develop their written, verbal, and visual communication skills to a level suitable for scientific research reports, including application of research methods in palaeontology/palaeoecology
3. Structure and write a fieldwork report including scientific descriptions of fossils discovered, descriptions of data and datasets collected, maps and biodiversity assessments, and discuss these critically in the light of current research
4. Work independently with resilience and confidence, as well as in small groups, developing their skills in teamwork and collaborative research as part of a diverse international team of graduate and undergraduate students, RTMP technicians, and academics

Module content

The module involves two intensive weeks of fieldwork in the Badlands of Alberta, including surveys, prospecting, identification, bonebed mapping, and fossil excavation in Dinosaur Provincial Park. You will learn practical skills in the field and will further explore the latest palaeontological research and analyses during term time back in Reading.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through combination of seminars, tutorials, practical field work and laboratory work. Students will take part in a behind the scenes visit at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology to look at specimens and learn about the museum and its collections from Curators. Students will also benefit from collaboration with RTMP staff and researchers and PGR students from UNE while in the field. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Study hours

At least 160 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Formative feedback will provided on field skills performance at the end of week 1 to allow time for students to reflect and improve prior to the summative assessment at the end of the course. 

Reassessment

Additional costs