This module looks at long term evolutionary patterns and the links between the evolution of life, climate and environmental change. Building on the basics of palaeontology, it covers topics and ideas that are used day-to-day by professional palaeontologists. The course deals with evolutionary theory and its place in palaeontology, as the student learns how to read and construct evolutionary hypotheses, and describe and understand patterns in the fossil record. In addition, the module will explore key events in the history of life on Earth, using exceptionally preserved faunas to illustrate the evolution of the flora and fauna. The module is delivered through lectures and practical sessions. The practicals are designed to run alongside and support the lecture material, giving the student the opportunity to understand the module content more deeply. Students are required to undertake a group project that brings together much of the course material into a coherent whole.