Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Palaeontology) requires 3 years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course specialisation is offered by the College of Science and Engineering.The course specialisation is also available as an exit award from the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Palaeontology) - 4 years, subject to meeting the … For more content click the Read More button below.

Student guidance

Program of study overview
Program of study notes

Program of study
108 Units

Year 136 Units
Year 236 Units
Year 336 Units

Admission requirements

Admission requirements
Assumed knowledge
English Language requirements

Aims

The highly interdisciplinary course specialisation aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the Australian fossil record, and a broad-based foundation in the scientific principles underpinning palaeontology and allied disciplines. Students are expected to develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills in both university- and field-based settings, including the capacity to:

  • Understand and apply relevant scientific principles, analytical approaches and problem solving in the areas of palaeontology, vertebrate evolution and zooarchaeology
  • Develop interpersonal skills through cooperative teamwork and present scientific information via effective written and spoken communication to a variety of audiences, including the broader community
  • Appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of palaeontology and engage positively with people and ideas outside of the immediate discipline, especially in biology, earth sciences and archaeology
  • Appreciate the societal and ethical contexts of palaeontology and the role it has in informing our understanding of modern ecosystems and their conservation
  • Work and learn independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills

The course specialisation provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study in disciplines related to palaeontology and evolutionary studies or for a career in a field related to palaeontology and vertebrate evolution or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course you will be able to:
1.
Demonstrate familiarity with and critically apply current theories, subject content, professional methodologies, ethical frameworks and research procedures relevant to studies of palaeontology and vertebrate evolution
2.
Understand and describe the processes through which current knowledge about the areas of palaeontology and vertebrate evolution and diversity was developed
3.
Analyse and critically evaluate ideas, data and information and apply relevant scientific principles to solve problems by, for example, creating and testing hypotheses, generating predictions, designing and conducting experiments, and statistically analysing data
4.
Undertake studies relating to palaeontology, palaeoecology and vertebrate evolution in both laboratory and field contexts
5.
Communicate your findings and present information clearly to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
6.
Display a profound understanding of the processes that have led to the evolution of the modern Australian fauna and an appreciation of the fossil heritage of the continent
7.
Demonstrate the retention of a broad set of foundational skills that may be further developed and expanded to suit a variety of palaeontological and allied professions

Associations

Course/Course specialisation association
Course/Exit award association
Honours - 1 year/Bachelor association
Honours - Embedded/Bachelor association