To kick-start a new series looking at some of the more unusual academic options on offer at British universities, we find out more about the world of palaeontology.
If you’re interested in knowing about the history of life on Earth, then palaeontology is for you. It’s a common misconception that palaeontology is solely study of dinosaurs – Ross from Friends has been a big culprit of this confusion. The subject is an earth science which examines the evolution of planet Earth and how its inhabitants have adapted to their surroundings since the dawn of time. More than 99.9% of species which have ever lived on earth are extinct, so work won’t dry up in this profession any time soon!
Palaeontologists study fossils (defined as any trace of a past life form) to determine the history of the planet. Palaeontology is a broad subject which touches on many other areas of study such as:
Geology = the study of the Earth and the rocks which form it
Geography = the study of the physical features of the earth
Botany = the scientific study of plants
Zoology= the scientific study of animals
To get into palaeontology, it’ll require lots of study – a handful of universities down south offer specialist courses to get you off to the right start.
What do the courses involve?
On palaeontology courses, you can expect to be involved in lots of different research based practices involving a mixture of classroom, lab and fieldwork. You will learn about the fabric of the planet, covering geological and evolutionary history through the ages and examine how the planet we live on has changed over the past 4-6 billion years – just a small time frame to work with then…
You will look at modern earth to compare and explain geological features and form ideas and concepts of future change. Geological modules may focus on the diversity and development of vertebrates and practical study of microfossils. You will find, extract and examine fossil remains and attempt to reconstruct the way they may have lived, examining how they connected with other organisms and their environments. You will have coursework, fieldwork, independent reports and projects, seminars, oral and poster presentations, computer tests and of course, formal exams. Assessment will be continuous and you will be given feedback alongside all modules. You course may involve:
- Industrial placement
- Extensive fieldwork opportunities where you will collect data and samples
- Examining and testing samples in a lab
- Classifying samples
- Carrying out research
- Publishing any significant findings
- Flexibility to alter your course to suit your interests
- An introduction to cutting edge facilities
The University of Leicester has an award winning collection of more than 120,000 fossils, rocks, and minerals which are an invaluable resource for students. They also have their own dinosaur, Jane the T-Rex, the only sub-adult specimen in Europe. Final years usually include a major research project of your choice.
What sort of jobs will it lead to?
Palaeontology and related life sciences involve the study of all prehistoric organisms and geological formations, not just dinosaurs, so you will develop a deep knowledge and extensive research experience in labs and in the field which are transferable to lots of different jobs. As well as working out in the field, you can go on to work in museums and historical exhibits, oil, gas and mining companies, government positions, teach in colleges and universities or become a consultant. You could also write scientific articles for magazines or provide expert advice for broadcasters making documentaries and various TV programmes.
There are a variety of courses in the UK which incorporate palaeontology and they have the following entry requirements:
- SQA Highers: BBBBB-AABBB including 2 relevant science subjects
- SQA Advanced Highers: BCC-AAA including 2 relevant science subjects
- UCAS Tariff: 220-320 points including 2 relevant science subjects
- A-levels: BBC-AAA including 2 relevant science subjects
They include:
Palaeontology and Evolution at the University of Bristol
Palaeobiology and Paleoenvironments at the University of Birmingham
Geological Sciences at the University of Leeds
Geology with Palaeontology at the University of Leicester
Palaeontology at the University of Portsmouth
Earth history and Palaeontology at Birkbeck, University of London
Some of these courses are available in three or four-year programmes, with the four-year coursees being a Master’s. Find out more here
