Why Bachelor of Science?
Understanding Earth’s history and the origins of life is critical to mapping a sustainable future. Geology and Palaeontology provide fundamental knowledge on the processes that shape Earth’s environment today. Discover how environmental changes led to the evolution of living organisms and the causes of extinction.
With our Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology and Palaeontology, you’ll visit world famous locations across South Australia and beyond to examine rocks and fossils in the field. Observe unique specimens and learn about the cutting-edge science that aims to unravel the mysteries of the past. Unlock broad career options in science and industry – or pursue palaeontology and leave a unique legacy in the field.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology and Palaeontology is all about digging into Earth's history through rocks and fossils. The degree is hands-on and holistic, covering broad skills and knowledge to prepare you for the field. You'll explore sedimentology, stratigraphy, mineralogy, geochemistry – even extraterrestrial geoscience.
Ever wonder what caused mass extinctions or how climates changed over time? How mountain ranges and ocean basins form? What geological processes lead to the preservation of fossils? Using field data and lab techniques, you'll tackle these questions and more.
You’ll gain practical skills through extensive fieldwork – mapping rock formations, collecting fossil specimens and analysing them in the lab. Site visits and field trips will allow you to explore some of Earth’s oldest multicellular life in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges and the remains of Australia’s giant mammals in the Naracoorte Caves.
Get familiar with specialised tools and technologies. Go deep into evolutionary biology. Learn to interpret geological maps and collect samples. Study geological processes, sedimentary records and geochronology. Critically assess scientific literature and effectively document your own research.
You’ll build broad expertise for dynamic careers in energy and water resources, environmental consulting, ecological protection, eco- or geo-tourism and academic research.
Key features
Gain practical experience through field trips and extended camps to develop geological and palaeontological observation, mapping and interpretive skills. - Learn from leading geology and palaeontology researchers to develop skills in data collection, analysis and reporting.
- Observe, handle and interpret globally significant and unique rock and fossil specimens housed in laboratories, museums and in the field.
- Combine a Science major with a complementary field of study.
- Make your own discoveries using purpose-built, cutting-edge laboratory and analytical facilities.
- Flexible final year professional experience options including research projects and industry placements.
What you'll learn
Explore Earth's dynamic systems, including the structure of its crust and the forces like heat and gravity that shape it. Discover how geochemical principles influence our water, air and land.
Master techniques to record and analyse geological and environmental data. Study the chemistry and classification of minerals. Learn how to identify sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic structures. Explore different fossils, Earth system processes and how those processes are recorded in the chemical composition of sediments. Combine knowledge from a wide range of disciplines to understand how Earth and life interact today, and how we got here through Earth’s deep history.
In second and third year, you’ll apply your cross disciplinary knowledge in dedicated palaeontology courses. Study advanced techniques in systematics and the fossil record, applying these insights to modern biodiversity. Get familiar with field techniques, including searching, surveying, excavating, and managing fossil specimens. Throughout, you’ll make the most of South Australia's rich fossil sites and diverse ecosystems.
Our wide range of electives give you the freedom to explore a little bit of everything. You could study another area of science or venture into non-science areas such as arts, languages, business, mathematics – or something else entirely.
In your final year, you’ll develop your professional practice skills through a work-integrated learning experience, including flexible options such as research projects or an industry placement in your chosen area of interest.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science is also available with majors in the following:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Animal Behaviour
- Animal Science
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computational Physics
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Environmental and Geospatial Science
- Evolutionary Biology
- Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
- Experimental Physics
- Food Science and Technology
- Genetics
- Geology
- Geology and Earth Resources
- Geology and Palaeontology
- Geophysics
- Marine and Wildlife Conservation
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Physics and Geophysics
- Plant Biology
- Pure and Applied Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Space Science and Astrophysics
- Theoretical Physics.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core Courses, and
- Either:
- 30 to 90 units for one Major from Majors, or
- 48 units from Discipline courses, and
- 6 to 18 units for Work integrated learning, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Complete 42 to 54 units comprising:
- 6 to 12 units for all Program Core, and
- 12 to 18 units from Common Core, and
- 6 to 30 units from Core Selective
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
EART1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 2
|
Course code
MATH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1A
|
Course code
PHYS1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1B
|
Course code
PHYS1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linear Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX104
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Differential Equations
|
Course code
MATHX202
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Program Core - Students in the following Majors will not enrol in STAT1000 Data Skills for Scientists:
Computational Physics, Experimental Physics, Nuclear and Radiation Physics, Physics and Geophysics, Space Science and Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
Complete 72 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology 3 Theory
|
Course code
BIOL3035
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Extra-terrestrial Geoscience
|
Course code
EART1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth Systems History
|
Course code
EART3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geochronology, Fossils and Palaeoenvironments
|
Course code
EART3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sedimentary Geology
|
Course code
EART2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Geology
|
Course code
EART2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igneous and Metamorphic Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geochemistry
|
Course code
EART2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igneous and Metamorphic Geology 3
|
Course code
EART3018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Tectonics
|
Course code
EART3019
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
Complete 6 to 18 units comprising:
- One of the following:
- 12 units from Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry and Pure and Applied Chemistry work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Animal Behaviour work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Animal Science work integrated learning, or
- 18 units for all Biochemistry and Biotechnology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Computational Physics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Ecology and Marine and Wildlife Conservation work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Environmental and Geospatial Science and Environmental Science work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Evolutionary Biology work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Experimental Physics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Food Science and Technology work integrated learning, or
- 18 units from Genetics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Geology and Geology and Earth Resources work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Geology and Palaeontology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Geophysics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Medicinal and Biological Chemistry work integrated learning, or
- 18 units for all Microbiology and Immunology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units from Nuclear and Radiation Physics and Theoretical Physics work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Physics and Geophysics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Plant Biology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Soil Science work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Space Science and Astrophysics work integrated learning, and
- 0 to 6 units from Additional work integrated learning - Optional
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Organic Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Inorganic Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour
|
Course code
ANIM3900
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Skills in Animal Science
|
Course code
ANIM3005
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biochemistry 3: Practical
|
Course code
BIOL3011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Computational Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX300
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Research Methods: Ecology, Marine and Wildlife 3
|
Course code
BIOL3013
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Environmental and Geospatial Field Project
|
Course code
ENVI3014
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology 3 Practical
|
Course code
BIOL3036
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Field Palaeontology 3
|
Course code
EART3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology 3 Practical
|
Course code
BIOL3036
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Genetics Practical 3B
|
Course code
BIOL2016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Genetics Practical 3A
|
Course code
BIOL3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Field Geoscience Program 3
|
Course code
EART3003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Field Palaeontology 3
|
Course code
EART3002
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Geophysics 3C: Seismic Processing and Interpretation
|
Course code
EART3004
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Organic Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3001
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbiology and Immunology Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3012
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Computational Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Geophysics 3C: Seismic Processing and Interpretation
|
Course code
EART3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Landscape Evolution 3
|
Course code
EART3006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
Complete 0 to 48 units comprising:
- 0 to 48 units from Free Electives, and
- 0 to 6 units from Program electives - Animal Science major
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Experience 3
|
Course code
SCIE3011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Free Electives |
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Careers in palaeontology require dedication – and advanced study – but the skills you gain along the way will be valuable in all sorts of important industries, including environmental management, agriculture and mining. You might travel to remote locations to excavate mammal or dinosaur bones. You could be a vertebrate palaeontologist, classifying different animals and newly discovered species, or a micro-palaeontologist, using tiny fossils to reconstruct past climates and environments. Perhaps you’ll work in a space agency, exploring the geology of other planets and moons.
You could also be a:
- Museum collections manager
- Environmental scientist or consultant
- Exploration geologist
- Energy geoscientist
- Field technician
- Laboratory technician
- Geological surveyor
- Climate change analyst
- Museum curator
- Research scientist
- Science communicator
- Environmental policy analyst.
Industry Trends
Geologists and Earth scientists have valuable skills, desirable in many traditional and emerging industries. They understand the Earth's complex systems, including its biological, chemical, and physical components. They know how these interact at different levels and through deep time.
In the mining and energy sectors, Earth scientists create models and frameworks for exploring minerals and energy sources. Governments hire them to consult on geological surveys and environmental issues. They help manage and predict natural disasters. In agriculture, they advise on soil geology and environmental risks. They assess how mining affects groundwater and surface water. For the financial sector, they evaluate the economic viability of mining projects.
New developments in these sectors will only increase the demand for Earth scientists. This includes shifts to renewable energy sources like geothermal, wind and solar, and efforts to predict and combat climate change. Advances in technology will open new frontiers in geological exploration and environmental monitoring. Sustainable resource management and environmental protection will continue to be top priorities.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
