B-KUL-G0B48A Micropaleontology and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction

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General information

Academic year: 2011-2012 Study points: 6 Language: English Difficulty: Advanced Duration: 50.0 hours  Periodicity: Taught in the first semester POC: POC Geologie This course cannot be followed within the context of an exam contract

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Taught by

Speijer Robert (coordinator)
Louwye Stephen
Speijer Robert
Steurbaut Etienne
Verniers Jacques

Aims

Obtaining insight and knowledge into concepts, methods, techniques and applications of micropaleontology and the role of this in a broader context of geological studies. By means of case studies on Paleozoic to Recent sediments and microfossil associations, the systematics, utility and fields of application of the various microfossil groups is demonstrated. The students receive a broad overview of the various methods and microfossilgroups that are widely used in both in academic reseach and in the oil and gas industry.The insights are acquired on the basis of the focal points of the research groups in Leuven and Ghent. The students particularly learn to choose and apply the appropiate scientific methods for analysing or reconstructing complex geological questions and conditions (paleoenvironements). Particular focus is the translation from detailed observations into processes and changes in time and space and reporting these.  

Previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of sedimentary geology and paleontology (at Bachelor level).

Content

History of micropaleontology and its position in the context of the natural sciences.
Overview of the systematics, biology, ecology, and taphonomy of the main microfossil groups, such as calcareous nannofossils, foraminifera, radiolarians, diatoms, charophytes, dinoflagellates, chitinozoans, acritarchs, pollen and spores.
Detailed study of the most important Paleozoic to Recent microfossil groups, including the biology of their modern representatives, taphonomic aspects, preparation- and research techniques, and their stratigraphic and paleoecologic importance.An important part of the course is designed on the basis of practical case studies on calcareous and organic microfossils, such as calcareous nannofossils, foraminifera, radiolarians, diatoms, charophytes, dinoflagellates, chitinozoans, acritarchs, pollen and spores.

This course is included in

Master of Science in de geologie  
Master of Science in Geology   (Earth Systems) (Required)  

Prerequisites

This course is a prerequisite for the following courses:
G0J82A:  Advanced Micropaleontology

Activities

		B-KUL-G0B48a Micropaleontology and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction
	General information Study points: 3.00 Language: English Category: Lectures Duration: 20.0 hours  Periodicity: Taught in the first semester POC: POC Geologie Taught by Louwye Stephen Speijer Robert Steurbaut Etienne Verniers Jacques Aims See general aims Content See general contents Course Material Armstrong, H.A. en Brasier, M.D. 2005. Microfossils, 2nd ed. 296 pp. ISBN-13-0-632-05279-0 (Paperback) Course activities An important part consists of classical lectures. Critical reflection and active participation is expected from the students.
		B-KUL-G0B49a Micropaleontology and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction: Practical Courses
	General information Study points: 3.00 Language: English Category: Practicals Duration: 30.0 hours  Periodicity: Taught in the first semester POC: POC Geologie Taught by Louwye Stephen Speijer Robert Steurbaut Etienne Verniers Jacques Aims See general aims Content See general contents Course Material Armstrong, H.A. en Brasier, M.D. 2005. Microfossils, 2nd ed. 296 pp. ISBN-13-0-632-05279-0 (Paperback) Handouts Course activities The practicals are designed around a number of case studies, in which the various fossil groups are employed in widely ranging geological problems. The students are supposed to carry out these exercises independently and to report and incidentally present the results.

Evaluation

		B-KUL-G2B48a Evaluation : Micropaleontology and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction
	Evaluation description Examination type:     written When?: final examination during examination period Evaluation type:     Closed book     Report Explanation Evaluation is based in part on written reports of the tasks and through a general writtten examnination.