Palaeobiology applies frontier imaging and analytical techniques to the fossil record to decipher the evolution, ancestry and ecology of organisms throughout the history of life. Palaeobiology places modern biodiversity into the context of geological time, and provides a means for monitoring and predicting future trajectories of the biosphere. 

This specialisation will give you a ‘deep time’ perspective on the evolution of life. By studying the fossil record, you’ll explore the early evolution and phylogeny of microbes, animals and plants; the timing and correlation of important events in deep time; as well as fundamental questions about fluctuating ecological and environmental parameters through time. You’ll identify morphological and anatomical features; study evolutionary processes; use frontier scientific methods and techniques to reconstruct past environments, climates and behaviours; and use fossils as tools to solve important biological, ecological, environmental, geological and zooarchaeological problems. 

Key Features

• Macquarie is the only university in Sydney offering undergraduate students a full specialisation in palaeobiology. 
• In addition to in-depth study in palaeobiology, you can take mathematics, statistics or coding in your first year to give you the modern foundational skills relevant to future workforce needs. 
• A strong focus on practical work in the field – including at Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef – and in labs will develop your skills and problem-solving ability. 
• You’ll have access to modern, well-equipped labs designed to foster collaboration, team learning and cutting-edge scientific research. 
• In your final year, you’ll undertake a work-integrated learning activity with a partner organisation to help prepare you for real workplace scenarios.  
• You’ll learn how to apply for scientific-based jobs and prepare for interviews; and you’ll develop presentation, project management and other critical skills that will increase your employability and help you secure your dream career.   
• Macquarie is ranked number one in Sydney for teaching quality and overall graduate satisfaction in science (QILT, 2017).

• Cultural heritage consultant 
• Educational facilitator 
• Environmental scientist/consultant 
• Exploration geologist 
• Land care and catchment manager 
• Local council environmental officer 
• Museum curator/guide 
• National parks manager 
• Palaeobiologist 
• Research scientist or consultant palaeontologist 
• Resource manager 
• Scientific editor 
• Scientific or technical support officer 
• Teacher (primary and secondary) (after further study)