Studying paleontology - what can I expect during my studies?

There is no gold and silver waiting for you, but there are plenty of story-telling fossils.

Paleontology combines biology with geology and searches for fossils, which are then examined to determine their age and draw conclusions about earlier life forms and their current significance. A paleontology course not only offers dry lectures, seminars and geological mapping, but also focuses on the practical area. You will complete internships and go into the field more often in courses. The course consists of sub-areas of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. So you shouldn't be averse to the natural sciences.

Studying paleontology prepares you very well for everyday professional life, as the extensive scientific studies particularly train teamwork and flexibility.

(Quelle: uniturm.de)

Paleontology deals with organisms from past geological eras. To this end, the discipline examines the remains of organisms that occur in sedimentary rocks, as well as other evidence that indicates past life and is subsumed under the term fossil. In biological terms, paleontology includes sub-disciplines such as the paleozoology of invertebrates, vertebrates such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, as well as paleoanthropology, which deals with the phylogeny of humans. Paleobotany studies fossil plants, their pollen and spores. Furthermore, palichnology is dedicated to the traces of fossil living beings. The master's program in paleontology imparts knowledge and methods in fossilization and paleoecology, terrestrial actuopaleontology, paleontological evolution research, paleoclimatology and biogeography, hominid evolution, sedimentology, fossil aquatic ecosystems or archaeobiology.

(Quelle: studieren-studium.com)

The choice of the subject "Paleontology", which can only be taken as part of a geoscience course, is usually based on a specific, already existing interest.

Here we have put together some information about the process and content of the course, which may make it easier to decide on your subject of study. The student representative from the Advisory Board of the Paleontological Society will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

In addition to the usual lectures, seminars, geological mapping, university and professional internships, the course primarily consists of field trips. The basics in other disciplines such as biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics are also part of the basic training. In addition, spatial imagination, scientific thinking in time and space, teamwork and flexibility are particularly trained. Knowledge of English should be brought with you or acquired on the side, because when things get really interesting, the specialist literature is only available in English.

It is always very helpful to take on unskilled work. These student assistant science jobs (HiWis) give you the opportunity, in addition to improving your account, to get to know the work you will do later. You learn most things from practical examples!

In summary, a geoscientific degree with a focus on paleontology promises a solid education, an extensive scientific spectrum, good career prospects and, last but not least, a lot of fun.

(Quelle: © 2011 Paläontologische Gesellschaft)