MGeol (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 patterns, mass extinctions, significant fossil deposits, and the interplay between ecology and evolution. You'll gain insight 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 geological knowledge, featuring a field excursion to Scotland's stunning Isle of Arran. Selecting the Geology with Paleontology program during application ensures assignment to a field-specialized personal tutor. Second-year studies broaden geoscientific skills while offering specialization through a tailored module on life's major evolutionary milestones and paleontology-focused independent fieldwork. The third year advances expertise with vertebrate and microfossil studies, a self-selected paleontological research project, and a specialized field trip. Paleontological knowledge also enhances other coursework, including second-year climate studies and third-year optional stable isotope modules.