University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This major covers the processes that generate biological diversity and the methods used to document and interpret the fossil record. Core topics include evolutionary theory, comparative anatomy, developmental biology, genetics and phylogenetics alongside palaeontological subjects such as taphonomy, stratigraphy, sedimentology, fossil identification, palaeobiology and palaeobotany.

• Foundations: cell and organismal biology, ecology, genetics, introductory statistics and scientific communication.
• Evolutionary topics: micro- and macro-evolution, speciation, comparative morphology, and phylogenetic methods.
• Palaeontology-specific modules: fossil preparation and curation, taphonomy, stratigraphy and sedimentology, palaeoecology, micropalaeontology, vertebrate and invertebrate palaeontology, and palaeobotany.
• Methods and skills: fieldwork techniques, fossil excavation and conservation, microscopy, geospatial methods (GIS), laboratory analysis and quantitative data analysis.
• Practical experience: hands-on laboratory classes, collection-based teaching using museum specimens, and field trips to local and regional fossil sites. Research-led projects and a supervised honours year or capstone research project are available for students pursuing research pathways.

Entry requirements

Admission is to the Bachelor of Science, with selection into the Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology major according to standard University of Adelaide entry pathways. Typical applicants will have completed secondary school with strong performance in science subjects and demonstrated interest in biology or Earth sciences.

• Domestic applicants: completion of recognised Year 12 or equivalent; prior studies in biology and a quantitative subject (mathematics or chemistry) are strongly recommended.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary qualifications recognised by the university and demonstrated English language proficiency through a recognised test or prior study in English.
• Alternate pathways: tertiary transfer students, mature-age applicants and those with relevant vocational or work experience may be considered through alternative entry schemes. Specific prerequisite subjects and selection criteria are published by the university and should be checked before application.

Career prospects

Graduates combine skills in evolutionary science, palaeontological methods and data analysis, making them suitable for a range of roles in both science and applied sectors. Career paths commonly followed by graduates include:

• Academic or government research (pursuing honours and postgraduate research in palaeontology, evolutionary biology, or related fields).
• Museum and collections work, including curation, collection management and educational programming.
• Palaeontological consultancy and technical roles in the resources sector (e.g. biostratigraphy and environmental assessment).
• Fossil preparation and conservation, field technician roles and heritage management.
• Science communication, education and outreach, as well as environmental and conservation roles that benefit from evolutionary perspectives.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers research-led teaching in evolutionary biology and palaeontology with access to strong Earth-science and biology research groups. South Australia’s diverse fossil localities provide excellent fieldwork opportunities, and students benefit from links to regional collections and museums. Practical, hands-on training in laboratory and field techniques is emphasised, and clear pathways exist to honours and postgraduate research for students aiming to specialise further.