Palaeontology Level 3

Course code: ABC1099

Boost your knowledge and understanding of the fascinating subject of palaeontology, from home!

Discuss how life evolved on Earth
Explain how and why fossils were formed
Describe the methods required to recover fossils
Summarise the history of palaeontology
Classify the different types of fossils that can be found
Evaluate what we can learn from studying palaeontology

Course Options	Please choose a course option to see prices	Course Material
Study Options	Study Online Study Pack
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This course will allow you to study when and where you want, at your own pace. All coursework can be submitted by post or email making it simple and hassle-free.

All of the materials will be delivered to you by post or email, so it couldn’t be easier. Our experienced and friendly tutors are always a click away by email, giving you a full year’s worth of support and advice to help get you through your course!

Course Duration

Up to 1 year.

Course Outcome

You will receive a Certificate of Achievement in Palaeontology Level 3.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

Assessment

Tutor-marked assignments.

Unit 1

Introduction to Palaeontology

Describe what palaeontology is
The main events in the history of palaeontology
Key early palaeontologists
Why we study palaeontology

Unit 2

Evolution of Life on Earth

Formation of the Earth
Main stages in geological evolution
Theories behind the evolution of life
Why explosions of life and mass extinctions have occurred throughout history

Unit 3

What are fossils?

Explain what a fossil is
Fossilisation
Different modes of preservation
Main fossil-bearing rock types

Unit 4

Types of fossils

Invertebrates
Vertebrates
Plants
Trace fossils

Unit 5

Recovery and Recording of Fossil Evidence

Equipment and methods
Ethics of fossil collecting
How fossils are prepared and cleaned
How fossil finds are recorded

Unit 6

Palaeontological Discoveries and What They Have Taught Us

Darwin’s theory of evolution and the fossil record
Fossil record and what it has taught us
Development of modern techniques
‘Ancient survivors’ and ‘living fossils’

Assessment

This course is assessed by a series of assignments, which are submitted to your tutor for marking. No external examination is required.

Course Duration

You will have a full year from enrolment to complete this course. This is enough time to study at your own pace.

Study Method

This course will allow you to work at home or at work. All materials for the course will be received by post or email. You will also get tutor support by email.

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from ABC Awards and Certa Awards and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).

Awarding Body

This course has been endorsed by ABC Awards and Certa Awards for its high-quality. The Quality Licence Scheme, endorses high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. This course and/or training programme has been endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme for its high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. This course and/or training programme is not regulated by Ofqual and is not an accredited qualification. Your training provider will be able to advise you on any further recognition, for example progression routes into further and/or higher education. For further information please visit the Learner FAQs on the Quality Licence Scheme website.

What skills are needed to enrol on to this course? 

No qualifications or skills are needed to enrol onto this course.

Is there a time limit for completion of this course? 

You may start at any time and have a full year to complete your studies. It is truly flexible and is designed to be adaptable around your lifestyle and other commitments.

What is included in the cost of my course?

Dedicated personal tutor support
Dedicated student support
Assignment marking and feedback
FREE CV critique service
FREE employability guide to help you impress future employers
FREE XO Student Discounts card
* Comprehensive study guide
* Open Study College pen and highlighter
* Student study planner
* Student notebook
* Document wallet

* Not included with the online study option

How do I get my work assessed?

You will send your work to your personal course tutor for them to mark and return to you. On successful completion of the course you will receive a Certificate of Achievement in Palaeontology Level 3.

What happens if I lose my course pack?

It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Student Support Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.

What if I still have questions?

That's not a problem. We want to make sure you’re 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our Student Adviser Team a call on 03300 563 100 and they’ll do their best to help.