Paleontology (PALE)

University Directory
University Courses

PALE 671 ADVANCED FIELD PALEONTOLOGY
(0-2) 2 credits. A field-oriented course stressing collection and detailed documentation of vertebrate fossils. Taphonomic factors, measured sections, and some geologic maps may be required, as well as detailed field notes.

PALE 672/672L MICROPALEONTOLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. A study of the morphology, ecology, and stratigraphic significance of selected groups of protozoans and invertebrate and plant microfossils with special emphasis on Formaminifera and conodonts. This course is cross-listed with GEOL 672/672L.

PALE 673/673L COMPARTIVE OSTEOLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. A comparison of recent and fossil vertebrate skeletons and dentitions with emphasis on the skeletons and teeth of sharks, bony fish, salamanders, frogs, turtles, alligators, lizards, birds, and mammals to establish a thorough understanding of the diversity of the form and function of the vertebrate skeleton. A major objective is the identification of vertebrates based upon osteology and odontology. This course is cross-listed with GEOL 673/673L.

PALE 674/674L STRATIGRAPHIC PALEONTOLOGY OF THE CONTINENTAL MESOZOIC AND PALEOGENE
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOL/PALE 676. The stratigraphic section of the Mesozoic and Paleogene vertebrate-bearing formations of North America is reviewed. Evolution of mammalian faunas and the succession of land-mammal ages are coordinated with this section. Extensive use is made of the published literature and the Museum of Geology collections. This course is cross-listed with GEOL 674/674L.

PALE 675/675L STRATIGRAPHIC PALEONTOLOGY OF THE CONTINENTAL NEOGENE
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOL/PALE 676. The stratigraphic section of the Neogene vertebrate bearing formations of North America is reviewed. Evolution of mammalian faunas and the succession of land mammal ages are coordinated with this section. Extensive use is made of the published literature and the Museum of Geology collections. This course is cross listed with GEOL 675/675L.

PALE 676/676L VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
(3-1) 4 credits. An in-depth assessment of the fossil record of vertebrates with special emphasis on current problems in the evolution of vertebrates and the tangible record preserved in the collections of the Museum of Geology. This course is cross-listed with GEOL 676/676L.

PALE 678/678L VERTEBRATE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY
(3-1) 4 credits. Prerequisite: GEOL/PALE 676. The principles and practices for establishing the distribution of vertebrate fossils in the rock record. This course will include a brief history of biostratigraphy, methodology, and the content and assessment of vertebrate ages, particularly of Mesozoic and Cenozoic mammals. This course is cross-listed with GEOL 678/678L.

PALE 684/684L PALEOENVIRONMENTS
(2-1) 3 credits. This course will integrate topics from paleobotany, vertebrate paleontology, and paleoclimatology in a study of paleontological communities through time. Laboratories will include studies of fossil materials. Note: This course is to be offered both through Black Hills State University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. This course is crosslisted with GEOL 684/684L.

PALE 692 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Lecture course or seminar on a topic or field of special interest, as determined by the instructor. A description of the work to be performed must be filed in the Geology/Geological Engineering Office. This course is cross-listed with GEOL 692.

PALE 770 SEMINAR IN VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
(2-0) 2 credits. Studies by a group of advanced students, under the guidance of one or more selected instructors, on topics of special and current interest to the group. Involves a combination of lectures, and discussions. Review of current literature in vertebrate paleontology of special topics and/or analysis of new procedures and techniques. Emphasis will be on mammalian paleontology. This course is cross-listed with GEOL 770.

PALE 790 SEMINAR
(1-0) 1 credit. May not be repeated for degree credit. Preparation, oral and/or written presentation, and group discussion of a research problem. The student is expected to present orally the results of his/her own research. This presentation normally will directly precede the final oral defense of the thesis. This course is cross-listed with GEOL 790

PALE 798 MASTER'S THESIS
Credit to be arranged; not to exceed six (6) credits toward fulfillment of M.S. degree requirements. Open only to students pursuing the M.S. thesis option. Supervised original or expository research culminating in an acceptable thesis. Oral defense of thesis and research findings are required. This course is cross-listed with GEOL 798.

PALE 677 CLADISTICS SEMINAR
(2-0) 2 credits. Prerequisites: PALE 676 or permission of instructor. A seminar including the review of basic principles of cladistic analysis with an emphasis on current biases and benefits associated with computer algorithms, matrix scoring, and choice of MPTs. The seminar combines weekly literature reviews, abstract writing, and power-point presentations by each student and ends with a final written examination, whose subject rests on topics reviewed during the seminar. Students will present a final project that consists of a phylogenetic analysis centered on a taxonomic group of their choice.

PALE 691 INEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Directed independent study of a topic or field of special interest. This may involve readings, research, laboratory or fieldwork, and preparation of papers, as agreed to in advance, by student and instructor. A description of the work to be performed must be filed in the Department of Geology/Geological Engineering. This course is cross-listed with GEOL 691.

PALE 672/672L MICROPALEONTOLOGY

Contact: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/sdsmt/directory/courses/pale