Study the Bachelor of Science (Palaeontology)

Study Palaeontology at Flinders

Explore and interpret the history of life on Earth.

Focused on uncovering long-buried secrets that deepen our understanding of how life on Earth evolved, this degree provides you with in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the Australian fossil record in addition to a broad-based foundation in palaeontology and allied disciplines. You will also will develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.

Domestic

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Australia or New Zealand.

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Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

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Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

2024 selection rank

70.00

Guaranteed selection rank

75.00

TAFElink

Certificate IV or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

224061

Delivery mode

In person:

– Bedford Park

Online: No

Duration

3 years full-time
(or part-time equivalent)
Deferrable: Yes

Annual indicative fee

2024: $9,300

How are these fees calculated?

Start dates

– March
– July

Student and ATAR profile

Save course

Student and ATAR profile

Save course

Apply via SATAC

224061 (Bedford Park)

Why study Palaeontology at Flinders

Study the first and only palaeontology named degree in Australasia
Learn in our purpose-built Palaeontology Laboratory
Combine specialist palaeontology study with biodiversity and conservation, biological diversity, earth and environmental science, and biostatistics
Undertake a research project and further advanced level coursework as an honours student

Your career

This degree provides you with the tool-set necessary for palaeontological careers anywhere in the world, whether your interests include working in a museum, evolutionary studies, fieldwork, ecological/environmental research, teaching or science communication.

Potential occupations include:

collection manager (palaeontology)
resource information officer
technical officer
senior curator
scientific consultant.

Potential employers include:

universities (researcher/teacher)
museums (curator/collections manager)
science media agencies.

See all events

Events

This palaeontological laboratory at Flinders University is without a doubt the most important in the nation.

Professor Tim Flannery

^{Scientist, palaeontologist, Australia’s leading conservationist, environmentalist and global warming activist.}

What you will study

First year A typical first year may include:	an introduction to the basic concepts underpinning ecology and evolution study of how we go about investigating and analysing the world around us an introduction to biology, geology and biostatistical principles relating to the study of natural history a number of elective topics enabling you to explore specific interests.
Second year A typical second year may include:	an exploration of the diversity of life on Earth and how it has evolved study of human evolution and the archaeological record of Australia further investigation of geological, biological and ecological principles electives options enabling you to expand your learning in archaeology, animal behaviour, ecology or science communication.
Third year A typical third year may include:	vertebrate anatomy and palaeontology field techniques in palaeontology scientific illustration elective topics enabling you to specialise in a particular facet of the palaeontological sciences.
Honours year A typical honours year may include:	an honours research project enabling you to focus on a particular palaeontological discipline that interests you development of the skill set necessary to become a research scientist.

View study program

Practical experience

The degree provides you with practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.

Gain hands-on experience in a range of field- and laboratory-based settings.
Collaborate on projects in our state-of-the-art, purpose-built hub.
Excavate and analyse real fossil deposits from the Naracoorte Caves (SA) and Alcoota Fossil Reserve (NT).

Study abroad

There are opportunities to take your studies overseas with a student exchange program.

ATAR and Student Profile Information

ATAR and Selection Rank profile

The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds	ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	99.70	99.95
Median rank to receive an offer	79.85	83.78
Lowest rank to receive an offer	62.10	70.05

Student Profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024)	Number of students	Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	26	21%
Vocational education and training (VET) study	11	9%
Work and life experience	7	6%
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	46	37%
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test)	<5	<5
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways)	30	24%
International Students	N/P	N/P
All students	126	100%

Add Innovation and Enterprise
to your degree

At Flinders University, we recognise that careers are evolving and the workplace of the future will look very different from today.

Whatever undergraduate course you are studying at Flinders, you can add innovation and enterprise electives to your degree to gain new, adaptable and transferrable skills that will equip you for the careers of tomorrow.

Learn More

Pursue multiple passions with a combined degree

You can combine this degree with any other bachelor degree within the College of Science and Engineering, subject to meeting entry requirements.

Search all combined degree options

How to apply

Choose your preferred course.

Check the entry requirements and admission pathways available to you.

Choose other courses to include in your preferences.

Visit SATAC and submit your application online.

Apply via SATAC

224061 (Bedford Park)

Admission pathways

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

Find the entry path that’s right for you.

Explore our pathways

Choosing your preferences

When choosing your preferences through SATAC, you might want to include the Bachelor of Science in your list.

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

English language pathways

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Find out more

Academic pathway programs

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.

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Course enquiries

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.

Course enquiries

For all course enquiries phone or email us or complete the course enquiry form.

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

Bachelor of Science (Palaeontology)

Study Palaeontology at Flinders

Fast facts