MSc in Palaeobiology

This research-oriented MSc offers advanced coverage of quantitative aspects of the fossil record and the history of life. The programme bridges the biology-geology divide, and will provide you with a strong background for independent research to PhD level or for a career in museums, libraries, management, or the media. This programme is for students who are passionate about early life, dinosaurs, mass extinctions, macroevolution, fossil preservation, and understanding the palaeobiology of extinct organisms.

This interdisciplinary programme is taught mainly in the School of Earth Sciences with some Archaeology and Biology units. You will engage in current debates in evolutionary biology, systematics and palaeobiology.

You will learn how to analyse problems quantitatively, and design experimental approaches to resolving questions in macroevolution and in the study of ancient organisms. First-hand training in research methods in palaeobiology involves laboratory techniques.

In addition, you will learn a range of advanced skills throughout the programme, such as computer software use, numeracy, planning research, problem-solving and communication skills. You will learn multimedia techniques, including presentation of palaeontological data through talks, posters and formal written reports. A key aspect is that you prepare your projects for publication, and we provide continuing support to ensure as many projects are published as possible in leading international journals.

The first half of the programme consists of lectures, practical classes, tutorials, and visiting speakers, designed to provide a firm foundation in the theory and methodology of the subject.

The programme consists of five core units which all students take, and a number of optional units of which students choose four. We recommend that biologists take some of the more geologically oriented optional units, and that geologists take some of the biological optional units.

Core units

• Current Controversies in Palaeobiology and Macroevolution
• Scientific Communication
• Phylogenetic Methods in Palaeobiology
• Literature Review
• Research Methods in Palaeobiology

Optional units

• Biomechanics and Functional Morphology
• Early Human Origins
• Evolutionary Biology*
• Evolution of the Biosphere
• Geology for Research Palaeobiologists**
• Marine Record of Past Climate Change
• Vertebrate Palaeobiology and Evolution
• Flowering plants

* Mandatory for non-biologists
** Mandatory for non-geologists

The final part of the programme consists of a research project. For further information on research projects, please see the School website.