Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

The relationship between climate and vegetation has been highlighted for more than a century and botanical data such as pollen and spores are now widely used to infer past climatic parameters as well as ages and correlations of sedimentary successions. Palynology and paleobotanical data are used in a wide range of activities including energy exploration, carbon capture and storage, and characterization of aquifers. This unit focuses on main concepts related to palynology and paleobotany and introduces key groups of palynomorphs with stratigraphic significance at various taxonomic levels. Emphasis is placed on the development of practical skills in palynology including the application of palynofacies analysis and integration of palynological data with geological, geochemical and geophysical data in paleoenvironmental studies.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an advanced understanding of key concepts related to palynology; (2) classify key groups of palynomorphs; and (3) apply knowledge and skills to biostratigraphic dating and paleo-environmental reconstruction relevant to basin history and resources.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) practical exercises; (2) quizzes and reports; and (3) oral presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Daniel Peyrot
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
one Unit(s) GEOS4412 Petroleum Systems
Advisable prior study
GEOS4419 Biostratigraphy
and EART3344 Basin Analysis
or GEOS4418 Basin Analysis Techniques or equivalent
Contact hours
workshops: 2 x 3–4 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.