BSc (Hons) Geology with Palaeontology in Leicester United Kingdom | University of Leicester

Paleontology examines how life's origins and development are deeply connected to Earth's geological past. The fossil record allows you to study evolutionary diversity, remarkable preservation, and ancient climates. Our curriculum focuses on important invertebrate, vertebrate, and microfossil groups while exploring fundamental concepts like life's beginnings, evolutionary and extinction patterns, significant fossil collections, and the interplay between ecology and evolution. You'll gain insights into the geological settings of fossils, including preservation environments, rock ages containing them, and potential biases from geological activity. Fossils also offer vital clues about ongoing ecological and climatic shifts. First-year courses establish core paleontological and geoscience principles, featuring a field excursion to Scotland's stunning Isle of Arran. Selecting the Geology with Paleontology program ensures assignment to a field-specialized academic advisor. Second-year studies enhance geoscience proficiency while offering specialization through a tailored module on life's major evolutionary milestones and paleontology-focused independent fieldwork. The third year deepens expertise with vertebrate and microfossil studies, a self-selected paleontological research project, and a specialized field expedition. Paleontological knowledge also enriches other coursework, including second-year climate studies and third-year optional stable isotope modules.