Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Palaeontology)

This degree will appeal to applicants who have the goal of completing an Honours year in this specialisation of science. Focused on uncovering long-buried secrets that deepen our understanding of how life on Earth evolved, this degree provides you with in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the Australian fossil record in addition to a broad-based foundation in palaeontology and allied disciplines. You will also will develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills.

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Palaeontology) 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. This degree develops 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. This degree appreciates the multidisciplinary nature of palaeontology and engages positively with people and ideas outside of the immediate discipline, especially in biology, earth sciences and archaeology; with societal and ethical contexts of palaeontology and the role it has in informing our understanding of modern ecosystems and their conservation.

The final Honours year in Palaeontology provides students a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills including the capacity to critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems; analyse and evaluate data, appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of palaeontology and engage positively with people and ideas beyond their own discipline area.

On completion of the this degree students will be able to 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 and understand and describe the processes through which current knowledge about the areas of palaeontology and vertebrate evolution and diversity was developed. This degree displays 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 and demonstrates 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.

On completion of the Honours year, students will be able to apply research skills appropriate to postgraduate research or advanced industrial investigation.

This degree prepares graduates for with skills required in palaeontological careers anywhere in the world. Potential occupations may include collections manager, senior curator and scientific consultant; potential employers may include universities, museums and science media agencies.