Welcome to Paleomarine Biology. These pages provide general information about the mechanics of the course as well as guidelines as to how the course will be taught and what is expected of you.

Class: Period 3, MWF, 10:10 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Hayes Hall Rm. 201
Instructor: Eric Holdener
Office: Hayes Hall 309-C
Phone: PBX 5817
E-mail: holdenere@kenyon.edu
Office Hours: MW, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 (noon); TR, 1:00 – 2:00; or by appointment
Text Book: Prothero’s Bringing Fossils to Life: An Introduction to Paleobiology by (BFL)
Final Exam: Friday, May 12, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Course Description and Objectives

Marine ecosystems are critical to life on Earth. Besides offering a wealth of habitats for a diversity of individuals and species, oceans influence global climate, provide food and minerals to both marine and terrestrial organisms, and are a crucial link in the “Earth System” (e.g., long-term element cycling). As crucial as oceans are to life today, they were equally as important to life forms in the past. Moreover, knowledge of ancient marine settings and the changes that took place within them over varying ranges of time scales help us to better understand modern oceans and to anticipate possible future changes in real time (i.e., human time frames).

This course will introduce you to the basic concepts, tools, and observational techniques used by geologists/paleontologists when interpreting ancient sedimentary deposits and fossils. You will learn that such interpretations are necessarily multidisciplinary in nature, integrating sedimentology, stratigraphy, geochemistry (i.e., chemistry), paleobiology, and biology. We will discuss some aspects of life in Earth’s oceans (indeed of life in general) that can only be understood via a paleobiologic approach, and we will explore some of the major events in the history of Earth’s oceans and marine biota.

Course Format

Paleobiology (as with all subdisciplines within geology) is best learned by direct observation of the subject matter, and some hands-on experiences in a “laboratory setting” are crucial to the course. Thus, we will often compliment lectures with observations of rock and fossil specimens. These exercises and activities are designed to give you a better understanding of the material. We will read numerous primary articles in the fields of paleobiology, paleoecology, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and you will be expected to participate in the discussion of these articles. At least one fieldtrip is planned to see some of Ohio’s world-class fossil localities. Another fieldtrip is possible as well, on which we will see some local fossil localities. See the course schedule for probable dates.

Attendance (http://www.kenyon.edu/x24249.xml#x24252)

You are expected to attend all scheduled course meetings, including the Saturday off-campus fieldtrip later in the term. Furthermore, the College requires regular attendance of all first-year students and students on conditional enrollment. More importantly, your success in the course depends upon regular attendance. If you miss a class for any reason, you are responsible for minimizing the effects of the absence. If you miss an assignment, a valid excuse cleared through the Dean’s office will be required before an opportunity to make up the work is even considered.

Academic Honesty (http://www.kenyon.edu/x24263.xml)

At various times throughout the course a great deal of learning will result from the exchange of ideas among students; I encourage such cooperation. However, all materials submitted for evaluation must be your own work. Evidence to the contrary may result in zero credit for the assignment in question.

Determination of Grade and Course Evaluation

Two mid-term exams and the final will focus on material covered in lectures, readings, and discussions. The final exam will be comprehensive. The fossil quiz will test your ability to recognize preserved and fossil specimens, which we will have covered in a block of in-class laboratories.

On several days during the semester we will discuss assigned readings. You will be divided into small groups, with each group taking on the responsibility for one of these meetings. The group will provide outlines of one (or more) of the papers and will guide the discussion for that day. Everyone will be expected to participate in the discussion.

A small group project will also be assigned in which you will be analyzing some raw data collected from fossil specimens. Groups will present their results in a short (3-5 page) report. The field trip report will consist of your responses to a series of questions that will direct your observations on the Saturday off-campus field trip later in the semester. This will be due on Monday following the trip.

Participation is traditionally difficult to quantify. I will do my best to get you involved during lectures by asking questions, plus I will keep track of those contributing to the Friday paper discussions.

Regarding Disabilities

If you have a disability that requires any sort of accommodation(s) in order to participate fully in this class, your needs will be met. However, you must first contact Erin Salva at PBX 5145 or via e-mail (salvae@kenyon.edu). You are welcome to see me about your situation, but your specific arrangements must be negotiated through Erin’s office. Please take care of these matters promptly.

Scheduling Conflicts

Events in the course of the history of Earth’s oceans and marine biota often strike with little or no warning. Major events in our lives (e.g., weddings) generally do not occur so unexpectedly. If an event is scheduled to take place this semester that will force you to miss a class meeting or an exam, you must see me about this matter at your earliest convenience and as soon as possible. Special consideration will not be granted to students who approach me with last minute requests!