Methods of palaeontological research

obligatory courses

obligatory courses

A.Lab: introduction to the basic research methods used during the field work with paleontological material; introduction to the special equipment and facilities used during paleontological studies

B.FW: practical skills useful for correct selection and using of the field methods depending on the case studies

A. Lab: Fossils: mold fossils, cast fossils, trace fossils, true form fossils. Chemical and mineral compounds of true form fossils, physical and chemical properties of fossils. State of preservation of true fossils. Chemical and physical properties of the fossil bearing sediments. Tools and methods of mechanical preparation. Chemical preparation. Special method of preparation (latex molds, X-rays, UV rays, series of sections). Conservation of fossils.

B. FW: searching, excavation, preliminary preparation and field documentation.

A. obligatory literature:

A.1. used during lectures and laboratory sessions

1. Green, O.R. 2001: A Manual of Practical Laboratory and Field Techniques in Palaeobiology. Kluwer, London,

538 str.

2. Feldman, R. M., Chapman, R. E. and Hannibal, J. T., Ed., 1997: Paleotechniqes. Knoxville, 358 str.

3. Kummel, B., Raup, D. 1965: Handbook of Paleontological Techniques. San Francisco, 852 str.

A.2. lectures for self-study

B. additional literature

Scientific papers recommended by the lecturer

Knowledge

K_W01_ recognizes research problems from the borderline of biological sciences_P7S_WG

K_W17_ recognizes the wealth of modern approaches and experimental techniques in biological sciences and plans to use them to solve set tasks _P7S_WG

K_W18_ presents advanced methods and techniques for conducting field research in the natural environment and the possibilities of their use in the protection of the natural environment _P7S_WG

K_W19_ identifies the costs of conducting research in biological sciences and lists the most important sources of research funding _P7S_WK

K_W21_ lists legal, national and international regulations regarding intellectual property rights _P7S_WK

Skills

K_U01_ selects and applies research techniques and tools adequate to the problems of the specialty of biological sciences studied _P7S_UW

K_U09_ writes research papers in the field of the studied biological specialties in Polish and short scientific reports in English on the basis of his own research_P7S_UW

K_U11_ demonstrates the ability to deal with sudden states of threat to life and health of human teams and facilities _P7S_UW

Social competencies

K_K03_ responsible for the equipment and own work and respects the work of others _P7S_KR

K_K04_ recognized sources of scientific information and using the principles of critical reasoning in resolving practical problems _P7S_KK

K_K05_ aware of the skills necessary to perform a managerial role in the field of knowledge-based activities and skills in the field of biology_P7S_KR

K_K07_ demonstrates responsibility for assessing hazards resulting from applied research techniques and creating ergonomic and safe working conditions _P7S_KK

K_K08_ implements and develops the rules of professional ethics _P7S_KO

K_K10_ strives to maintain an objective attitude in assessing the work of colleagues _P7S_KK

A. Way of final evaluation:

• L: pass with the grade

• FW: pass with the grade

B. Form of testing:

• L: evaluation based on the tests of small portions of knowledge, reports

• FW: field report describing the results and conclusion from the field trips

C. Basic criteria

• L: positive grades from small testes and reports

• FW: correctly prepared field report

N/A