Overview

Science at Macquarie has a strong focus on peer-assisted learning and practical work, both in the field and in our high-quality laboratories. This hands-on approach will allow you to develop your scientific research skills, critical thinking and problem solving ability.

Learn from internationally recognised researchers and gain state-of-the-art scientific knowledge.

Macquarie University is the only Australian university to offer undergraduate students a full major in palaeobiology. The aim is to give students a ‘deep time’ perspective on the evolution of life.

By studying the fossil record you will explore:

• the early evolution and phylogeny of animals and plants
• the timing and correlation of important events in deep time
• fundamental questions about fluctuating ecological and environmental parameters through time.

Discover the new discipline of ‘evo-devo’, which melds palaeobiology with evolutionary biology, genetics and developmental biology. It seeks to determine the ancestral relationship between organisms, and understand how developmental processes evolved.

You can complete all units online, on campus or by distance education (external study), on an annual or biannual basis. You would need to attend some weekend on-campus sessions or fieldwork.

Degrees offering Palaeobiology

Key features

• Teaching techniques include problem-based learning, group-based work, seminars and poster presentations, debates/colloquia.
• Most units have fieldwork, from weekend excursions to nine-day intensive programs.
• Research-enhanced learning, with case studies, workshops and field programs.

Location

North Ryde

Suitable for

Students interested in: undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in biology, environmental studies, resource management and/or biodiversity; primary or secondary school science teaching.

HECS Course fee

AUD $4,520 p.a.

Student amenities fee

Information on the Student services and amenities fee