EOSC 222 · Geological Time and Stratigraphy

Measuring geological time and understanding Earth history using stratigraphic principles, paleontology and radioactive decay.

Course Topic(s):
Geological Science Biology

Syllabus

Generalized Provisional Course Syllabus: HERE

Course Content

NOTE: Course content may vary by year.

Module 1: Reading Geological Time

  1. Introduction and basic concepts
  2. Reading Earth History – Stratigraphy
  3. Sedimentary Facies – shifting environments of deposition
  4. Reading Earth History – Biostratigraphy & Correlation
  5. Geochronology – radiometric stating, stable isotopes and magnetostratigraphy
  6. Sequence Stratigraphy – Sedimentary environments and sea level change


Module 2: Paleontology

  1. Introduction to Macropaleontology
  2. Sessile Benthics
  3. Reef Evolution
  4. Graptolites and Trilobites
  5. Brachiopods
  6. Bivalves
  7. Cephalopods
  8. Micropaleontology

Labs

  1. Sedimentary processes 1
  2. Sedimentary processes 2
  3. Biochronology
  4. Geochronology 1
  5. Geochronology 2
  6. Fossilization and Taphonomy
  7. Sessile Benthics
  8. Graptolites and Trilobites
  9. Brachiopods / Bivalves / Cephalopods