Pollen taphonomy, dispersal, problems of interpreting pine pollen curves included. Actual results from the practicals are referred to in the lectures. In microscope laboratories, with assistance of technician or postgraduate demonstrator, students identify and count pollen and chironomid slides prepared for them. Identification is principally from illustrations in student practical books, not from type material.
Students then apply the interpretation skills to their own data.
Students have to choose what to accept and what to reject. Timetabling avoids clashes with other courses. The main research report is 3000 words, detailing and interpreting results from the laboratory practical. The structure is set. Pollen and chironomid diagrams created from identification and counting in laboratory practicals are included in the write-up.