Course content

The course gives an overview of the development of the Earth and evolution of life forms, from the Precambrian to the present. Principles of chronostratigraphy, lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy are presented. There is an introduction to the history of animal and plant evolution. Focus is on the systematics of the main fossil groups and their stratigraphical and time distribution. The palaeogeographical development of the continents and the development of the sedimentary successions on Norwegian land, and on the Norwegian Continental Shelf with Svalbard are presented.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE Students will acquire basic knowledge about the geological history of the Earth and its life, and the principles and research methods used to achieve this understanding.

SKILLS Students will be able to understand the Earth and its life history. They will also be capable of using nomenclature for naming of geological units. Students will be familiar with the Norwegian sedimentary layer (Oslo Field, Svalbard and The Continental Shelf). Students will learn basic skills about different fossil groups and their use in geological interpretations.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, mandatory lab exercises, field trip and fossil test. Field work may be scheduled for a weekend. The course is evaluated by a reference group.

Compulsory assignments

• Fossil test
• Field trip
• exercises

Course materials

Information on textbooks and lecture notes will be given at the first class meeting.

Credit reductions