Palaeontology and Evolution University of Bristol

Overview

At the Palaeontology and Evolution programme from University of Bristol , you will learn from experts with interests ranging from dinosaurs to plants to the origin of life, and become fully immersed in hands-on palaeontology from the start.

Key facts

One-third of the first year is dedicated to biology and two-thirds to earth science. After the first year, you will take core units from both disciplines.

In the third year, you will carry out a research project and take a range of specialist palaeontology units. Examples of current units include:

• Dynamics of Macroevolution, where you will learn cutting-edge techniques for analysing the large-scale patterns in the evolution of life, including the use of microfossils to reconstruct past climates and ecosystems;

• Fossils and Phylogenies, where you will learn how to construct evolutionary genealogies from the comparative anatomy of fossil organisms and the genomes of their living relatives, focussing especially on the origin and diversification of animals;

• Vertebrate Palaeobiology and Biomechanics, where you will study the evolution of vertebrates from fish-like creatures to humans, discovering methods for investigating how their bodies work.

You will also select from a range of optional units to pursue your own interests.

The course involves fieldwork, including dedicated palaeontology field courses, the cost of which is included in your tuition fee.