Micropalaeontology
About the course
This course is available as a single course.
The most important microfossil groups will be presented with respect to their systematics, ecology, evolution and stratigraphy. Marine microfossils will be focused on, in particular the foraminifera. The exercises will demonstrate microfossils, sample preparation and identification. A cruise on a research vessel (e.g., R/V Helmer Hanssen) to areas around Tromsø to sample live benthic foraminifera to be counted and identified is included in the exercises for this course.
Admission requirements
Objectives of the course
Knowledge
The student has
- knowledge of the most important microfossil groups, their systematics, biology, and geological history.
- knowledge of the use of microfossils in ecology, evolution, and stratigraphy.
- knowledge of the general use of the microfossils in palaeoclimatic/-oceanographic studies.
- knowledge and understanding of the advantages/disadvantages of use of the various groups of microfossils for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.
Skills
The student can
- prepare samples and identify microfossils.
- handle and process surface samples of living benthic foraminiferal samples from slope, shelf, and fjords in Troms and West Finnmark.
- perform microscopy for counts and identification of living benthic foraminifera.
- use data to make comprehensive ecological interpretation and discussion of living benthic foraminiferal faunas from two different environmental settings.
- conduct marine geological fieldwork with a research vessel (e.g., R/V Helmer Hanssen) to retrieve gravity cores, box-cores, plankton tows, seismic and acoustic data, and use these data for finding good sampling locations.
General competences
The student can
- understand the specific use of marine microfossils in stratigraphy, and reconstructions of past changes in the climatic-oceanographic system.
- prepare and initiate a master project in palaeoceanography and palaeoclimate.
- read and write about scientific results in English.
Prerequisites
Anbefalte forkunnskaper
GEO-1001 Introduction to geology, GEO-2007 Historical geology / Stratigraphy
Teaching methods
Language of instruction and examination
The language of instruction is English and all the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English.Information to incoming exchange students
This course is open for inbound exchange student who meets the admission requirements, including prerequisites. Please see International admissions | UiT for more information.
Do you have questions about this course? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty:
Examination
| Oral exam | Duration: 20 Minutes |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Exercise 1 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Exercise 2 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Exercise 3 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Exercise 4 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Exercise 5 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Exercise 6 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Safety training | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Post cruise lab | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Participation on cruise | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage
More info about the coursework requirements
Admittance to the exam requires approved exercises and post cruise lab. Participation in the cruise is mandatory.
Approval of training in health, safety, and environment prior to the cruise. This follows the UiT routines for cruises and will be provided by the crew onboard the research vessel.
More info about the oral exam
The oral exam is individual and has a duration of 20 minutes.
15 minutes oral presentation and aproximatly 5 minutes for examination.
Grading scale: Letters A-F, where F is fail.