Course description I Related links
UCAS code: FC69
Duration: 3 years
Places available in 2011: See Geology (F600)
Applications in 2009: See Geology (F600)
Admissions Tutor: Dr Andy Chambers
Telephone enquiries: +44 (0)121 414 6131
Email: a.d.chambers@bham.ac.uk
Number of A levels required: 3
Typical offer: ABB-BBC
Required subjects: A level Biology grade B
General Studies: accepted
Additional information
Access to Higher Education courses (science based) are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details.
A subject booklet is available on request.
International students
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 28–34 points including Biology at HL (grade 6)
Standard English language requirements apply
For further information please see the international entry requirements section
You can also find information about qualifications from your country or region at www.international.bham.ac.uk/countryinfo
Apply through UCAS at www.ucas.com
For further information please see the how to apply section
Standard fees apply
For further information please see the fees and finance section
Scholarships
To find out what scholarships and awards are available see the scholarships and awards section
To find out about additional scholarships available to international students please see www.international.bham.ac.uk/scholarships.htm
This programme emphasises the study of ancient plants and animals and places the evolution of life within the context of environmental change through deep time. Particular emphasis is placed on the internal (evolutionary) and external (ecological) factors that have shaped the modern day biota.
Palaeobiology studies life on Earth from a whole organism context, investigating structure, function, behaviour and evolution. This programme develops the understanding and techniques used to investigate the interactions between long-extinct organisms and their environments from both geological and recent perspectives.
In the first year you are introduced to the basic skills that provide the foundation for the degree. You will be introduced to the major groups of fossils and how to describe them and their life histories, as well as the essentials of the geological settings in which they are preserved.
In the second year you choose to specialise in either the evolutionary or ecological aspects of the subject area. Your core study programme will include evolutionary and environmental palaeobiology, sedimentary processes and environments, as well as planning for your individual project work.
A major focus of your final year will be the presentation of the results of your project. You will be able to choose from a wide range of study modules with particular emphasis on advances in palaeobiology and palaeoenvironments. These include modules such as the Evolution of Vertebrates and Micropalaeontology. The evolutionary or ecological streams selected in Year 2 will be further developed.
Teaching for this degree programme involves, in addition to lecture and practical classes, fieldwork training in palaeobiological and geological techniques. Work is undertaken both in the UK and abroad, and is assessed by means of reports and presentations. Assessment also involves examinations, project work and class tests.
Your skills set will provide opportunities for employment as a professional palaeobiologist engaged in further research or museum works, or as an applied palaeontologist/biostratigrapher within an oil company. Your core training in geological processes will be appropriate also for a potential career within the mainstream geoscience field.
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences website: www.gees.bham.ac.uk
Other courses in Life and Environmental Sciences
