Methods in Paleontology

Objectives

Help students to acquire knowledge that will contribute to the development of high quality scientific research in the field of Paleontology.

Promote the learning of technical laboratory work that contributes significantly to the development of extensive research in the field of Palaeontology.

Mastering techniques of field and laboratory research, sampling, separation and study of      

Fossils.

Provide skills development to contribute to the formation of productive professionals.

General characterization

Code

10928

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Octávio João Madeira Mateus, Paulo Alexandre Rodrigues Roque Legoinha

Hours

Weekly - 14

Total - 51

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

Available soon

Bibliography

BRAILLON, J. (1973) – Utilisation de techniques chimiques et physiques dans le dégagement et le triage des fossiles de vertebrés. Bulletin Muséum National d’ Histoire Naturelle. Ser.3, 176 :141-166.

KELLNER, A.W :A. (1992) – Técnicas de preparação para tetápodes fósseis preservados em rochas calcárias. A Terra em Revista, CPRM, p. 24-31.

ANDERSEN,A.F.; CHAPMAN, R.E. & DICKMAN, J. (2001) – Using prototyping technology in vertebrate paleontology: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 21(3): 28A

ALCOBER, O. (2002) – Tomografia digital de tetrápodos triásicos de Argentina. Ameghiniana, 39 (4  Supl.):5R.

TRAVERSE, A. (2007) – Paleopalynology. Second Edition, Springer, The Netherlands.

TAYLOR, T.N.; TAYLOR, E. & KRINGS, M. (2009) – Palaeobotany: The biology and evolution of fossil plants. Second Edition, Academic Press, New York.

CARVALHO, Ismar de Sousa (editor) (2010) - Paleontologia: Conceitos e Métodos – 3ª edição. Editora Interciência. Brasil.

Teaching method

Theoretical and practices classes.
Laboratory classes
Field work.
Discussion of scientific papers.
Continuous assessment, through the presentation and discussion of reports.

Evaluation method

Students are assessed through written report and laboratory and field work done throughout the semester. Peer review may occur.

Subject matter

Fossils: sampling and methods of study.  

Techniques for preparation of Microfossils (calcareous and siliceous).   

Techniques for preparation chemical and mechanics of fossils vertebrate.

The importance of consolidating in preparation. Stages of preparation.

Techniques for electron microscopy in the study of fossils.  

Digital methodologies applied to the study of vertebrates.

Illustration of fossils.

Treatment of laboratory samples for mesofossil plants, spores and pollens.

Importance of Palaeontology for paleoenvironmental and paleoecological reconstructions.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: