This course is based on the book “Applied Paleontology”. Marine palaeontology has developed from a descriptive science to an analytical science used to interpret relationships between earth and life history. Applied Palaeontology adopts a holistic, integrated approach to palaeontology, highlighting its key role in the study of the evolving earth, life history and environmental processes.

After an introduction to fossils and their classification, each of the principal marine fossil groups are discussed in detail, covering their biology, morphology, classification, palaeobiology and biostratigraphy. The latter sections focus on the applications of fossils in the interpretation of earth and life processes and environments. It concludes with case histories of how our knowledge of fossils is applied, in industry and elsewhere. Practicals will be included to identify and interpret microfossils using a microscope.

This is a valuable reference for anyone who is planning to get involved in the applications of palaeontology including earth, life and environmental science, as well as petroleum, minerals, mining and engineering applications.