How to Identify Fossils

Course :

This course introduces the identification and classification of the main groups of invertebrate and vertebrate fossils. Emphasis is placed on fossils found along the World Heritage site so includes ammonites, bivalves, echinoderms, fish and marine reptiles. This three day course will be taught by Natural History Museum palaeontologists and will use handling collections and specimens collected as part of the course. This course is intended for beginners, more experienced collectors, school teachers and geology students wishing to expand their knowledge of how organisms are classified.

The course will include opportunities to collect from the Lower Lias near Lyme Regis and Charmouth, however, is essentially laboratory based, using identification guides. Participants will acquire the confidence to identify the main types of fossil organisms. This course would provide a sound basis for building and understanding fossil collections.

Paul Taylor is a researcher in the Department of Palaeontology at the Natural History Museum, specializing in bryozoans and other invertebrates. With over 35 years experience as a palaeontologist, he is the author of three popular books on fossils and over 250 articles. Zerina Johanson is curator/researcher of Fossil Fishes in the Palaeontology Department in the Natural History Museum. Zerina specializes in the study of Devonian fishes.

Find out more about this course

Contact :

FSC head office on 0845 345 4071

Where :

Victoria House, Lyme Regis

Notes :

Follow above links for costs

From: Tuesday 2 March 2010
To: Thursday 4 March 2010
Every day