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Bachelor of Commerce with the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Palaeobiology

ATAR/Course cut-off
83.90
This information is for local students.
View courses for International students.

Overview

Be part of the business of science. Embrace the challenge of today's science and technology industries as they meet the fast-paced world of business and finance.

Commerce, or business, is the exchange of goods or commodities. In this degree you will study management, marketing, finance and accounting as well as undertake research and study in a science discipline of your choice.

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. This is an Average Fee

Student amenities fee

Information on the Student services and amenities fee

Entry requirements

English language requirements

If you have completed the NSW HSC or equivalent you satisfy the English proficiency requirements.

For full information view the English proficiency requirements table (436 Kb).

Work experience requirements

What you will study

Degree requirements Credit Points
Minimum number of credit points for this degree 96
Minimum number of credit points at 200 level or above 60
Minimum number of credit points at 300 level or above 30
Minimum number of credit points from Commerce designated units 42
Minimum number of credit points from Science designated units 42
Completion of Specified Foundation Units
Completion of a Qualifying Major for the Bachelor of Commerce
Completion of a Qualifying Major for the Bachelor of Science
Completion of a designated People unit
Completion of a designated Planet unit
Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below

Double degree requirements

The following outlines the units (subjects) to be studied within this double degree.

100 level Credit Points
Required ACST101 Techniques and Elements of Finance 3
Required BBA102 Principles of Management 3
Required ECON111 Microeconomic Principles 3
Required MKTG101 Marketing Fundamentals 3
Required either ACCG100 Accounting IA
or ACCG106 Accounting Information for Decision-Making 3
Total credit points required to satisfy this major 24

Major requirements

The following outlines the units (subjects) to be studied within this major

100 level Credit Points
Required 6cp from GEOS112 The Planet Earth
BIOL114 Evolution and Biodiversity
GEOS126 Marine Geoscience
BIOL115 The Thread of Life 6
200 level Credit Points
Required BIOL261 Palaeontology 3
Required 3cp from 200 level BIOL or GEOS units 3
300 level Credit Points
Capstone either BIOL381 C Invertebrate Palaeontology
or BIOL382 C Applied Palaeontology and Biogenic Sediments 3
Required BIOL379 Reef Evolution and Dynamics 3
Required BIOL399 Special Interest Topics in Biology 3
Required 3cp from BIOL316 Invertebrates: Evolution, Behaviour and Diversity
BIOL360 Biology of Australasian Vertebrates
BIOL368 Ecology and Evolution
BIOL369 Vertebrate Evolution
BIOL373 Marine Ecology
BIOL381 Invertebrate Palaeontology
BIOL382 Applied Palaeontology and Biogenic Sediments
GEOS307 Field Geology and Mapping
MSM310 Museology of Natural History
MSM311 Museum Field Studies 3
Total credit points required to satisfy this major 24

Notes

  • Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
  • The course information contained on this page is applicable for 2012 ONLY.
    For more information please read the courses disclaimer.

Careers

Career Opportunities

  • curator
  • environmental scientist
  • exploration geologist
  • palaeontologist
  • research scientist
  • science teacher
  • university academic

Employers

• environmental agencies

• geological surveys

• mining companies

• museums

• secondary schools

• universities

Average starting salary

$46,589 for a sciences graduate (source: The Good Universities Guide, 2010).

Why choose Macquarie?

Why choose Macquarie

Macquarie offers an outstanding learning experience. We are renowned for excellence in interdisciplinary research and teaching, our unique approach to learning, our highly skilled graduates, and our first-class facilities. 

Macquarie University for future students undergraduatean education in the top two per cent of universities in the world, giving you an international recognised and respected degree

Macquarie University for future students undergraduatea campus in one of the largest business and technology precincts in the southern hemisphere, giving you the industry experience employers look for

Macquarie University for future students undergraduatemulti-billion dollar investment in facilities and infrastructure, including the most high-tech university library in Australia

Macquarie University for future students undergraduatethe most generous international student exchange program in Australia

Macquarie University Future Students Undergrad information for parents

Our reputation

Discover why Macquarie is ranked in the top two per cent of universities globally.

Macquarie University information about types of study and learning skills for life

Learning for life

Our degrees are designed to help you get ahead and stay ahead in your life and your career.

Overseas opportunities

Overseas opportunities

Enhance your degree with Macquarie's overseas study and exchange programs in over 300 countries.

Macquarie University information for future undergraduate students about our vibrant campus

Our vibrant campus

120 social clubs and societies, 35 sports clubs, sport and aquatic centre, the only on-campus music festival.

 

Contact us

Faculty of Science
Ph: 61 2 9850 6000
Fax: 61 2 9850 6565
Email: scienceenquiries@mq.edu.au 
www.bio.mq.edu.au

Apply

The major in Palaeobiology (PAL01) is available in more than one degree.

Apply

1. Select your UAC Code for your preferred degree:

300543

Bachelor of Advanced Science

300288

Bachelor of Commerce with the degree of Bachelor of Science

300758

Bachelor of Engineering with the degree of Bachelor of Science

300517

Bachelor of Science

300537

Bachelor of Science with the Diploma of Education

300305

Bachelor of Science with the degree of Bachelor of Laws

2. Go to the UAC website and select “Apply". This link will open in a new window.

Applications for Session 2 2012 open on Wednesday 4th April 2012.

Re-admission

Students wishing to return to study at Macquarie University should visit the Previous Macquarie Students webpage, for further information and application procedures. 



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