Palaeontology and Evolution Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Palaeontology and Evolution Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Join a university ranked second in the UK for 'Earth systems and environmental sciences' research (*THE* analysis of REF 2021).
Develop an understanding of the evolution of life on this planet through the study of palaeontology, biology and geology.
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.
One third of the first year is dedicated to biology and two thirds to earth science. In the second year, you will take core units from both disciplines.
Join a university ranked second in the UK for 'Earth systems and environmental sciences' research (*THE* analysis of REF 2021).
Develop an understanding of the evolution of life on this planet through the study of palaeontology, biology and geology.
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.
One third of the first year is dedicated to biology and two thirds to earth science. In the second 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:
* Coevolution of life and the planet, 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.
* Evolutionary palaeobiology, 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, for example, to Spain, Dorset and the Isle of Wight; the cost of these is included in your tuition fee.
Our emphasis on quantitative research allows you to develop valuable mathematical and statistical skills. There are opportunities for volunteer work and internships in our state-of-the-art palaeobiology laboratories.
Course Information
1 option available
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Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2027-09-01
Campus
Clifton Campus
Application Details
13 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A15-J08
Institution Code
B78
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
Standard offer: ABB including two science-related subjects. Contextual offer: BBC including BB in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science. Please visit bristol.ac.uk/contextual-offers for more information about contextual offers.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
Advanced Higher: AB in two science-related subjects, and Higher: AABBB.
Access to HE Diploma
offer-distinction: 21.0, offer-merit: 24.0
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 21 credits at Distinction and 24 at Merit or above; and at least 9 credits at Distinction and 3 credits at Merit from units in two science-related subjects. Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must also meet these GCSE profile requirements: higher numeracy requirement (6 or B in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent). Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels: bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/entry-requirements-qualifications/gcse/
Scottish Advanced Higher
Advanced Higher: AB in two science-related subjects, and Standard Higher: AABBB.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Standard offer: 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects. Contextual offer: 29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science. Please visit bristol.ac.uk/contextual-offers for more information about contextual offers.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/ D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/ M2 is B, and M3 is C.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, International, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands | £0 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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