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Palaeontology in the Field: Pentlands
Course Times & Enrolment
Wednesday 19th June 2024,
(Code SN138-301)
Wednesday 19th June 2024,
10:30am - 4:00pm
•
(One-day course)
On location
•
Tutor:
Tom Challands
Wednesday 19th June 2024,
10:30am - 4:00pm
•
(One-day course)
On location
•
Tutor:
Tom Challands
£45.00 Concessions and discounts
Course Summary
Planning a fossil hunting trip requires more than just a sunny day and a nice trip to the coast. Research into the rock types in the area and using scientific literature to see if any previous finds have been made in an area saves time and gives the fossil hunter a search image to work to.
Students will learn how to find fossils and how to record their finds properly using a field notebook. They will also learn how to package and transport their finds for correct labelling back in the lab or home.
Meet at Carlops car park. NO TRANSPORT IS PROVIDED.
Students will be expected to make their own way to the meeting point for the field trip either privately or by public transport.
Public transport: take the Stagecoach 101 or 102 bus from Edinburgh to Carlops.
Course Details
Pre-requisites for enrolment
Students should have a level of fitness that will allow them to undertake a day walking in hilly and uneven terrain.
Special Information
Students are required to bring their own waterproof and warm clothing and appropriate footwear and packed lunch. Notebook.
Content of Course
We will visit the Pentland Hills near Carlops. The locality records historic exposures of an ancient lagoon that preserves a variety of shelly organisms (brachiopods, trilobites, crinoids) from a time before animals occupied the land.
Prior to the excursion students will be introduced to the locality to be visited through in the preceding lesson in the short course, “Introduction to Palaeontology: The History of Life”. This will include reviewing a selection of geological maps to become familiar with the geological context of the locality as well as some literature and actual fossils from the sites. Students who are not attending the 10 week course will be provided with online material beforehand.
A health and safety briefing will be given beforehand and all students will be asked to confirm that they have read and understand the risk assessment for the fieldtrip.
Teaching method(s)
The course will be delivered exclusively in the field but will link with activities that take place in the course, “Introduction to Palaeontology”
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course, students will be able to;
- Read and interpret a geological map
- Identify the most likely site for fossil formation.
- Identify fossil finds within the context of the field location
- Under guidance, conduct a field study safely and using the scientific method
Queries
If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.
Student support
If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.