A budding paleontologist studies bones and fossil bones.
Paleontology involves the use of fossils to study the history of prehistoric life. As a student, your focus can range from plant fossils to the the study of rocks to learning about how ecosystems developed. If you are considering this field, plan on taking a host of science classes and undergoing an in-depth exploration of biology and geology.
Prerequisites
Before you delve into your core courses, you must first take prerequisites. College-level biology will introduce you to animal and plant organs, human evolution and genetics. College-level chemistry explores atoms, molecules, chemical bonding, reactions, solutions and mixtures. A laboratory component is customarily a part of both of these science courses. Most paleontology programs also require you to enroll in a mathematics course. You will study algebra, calculus and geometry. In a physics course, you will study matter and energy.
Introductory Courses
Having completed your prerequisites, you must then transition into the courses that will introduce you to the field. Most programs feature an introduction to paleontology class. Other courses may include the history of life, an introduction to geoscience, an introduction to the earth and planetary physics and an introduction to environmental physics. At this stage you may also take courses that begin to build your background in fossilization and rocks. Some examples of such courses are minerology and sedimentation.
Advanced Courses
Of the advanced electives you will take, some of them will focus on the intersection between paleontology and other fields. For instance, Yale offers a course on paleontology and evolutionary theory. Other advanced courses are sedimentary petrology, microbiology, ecology, zoology, evolutionary biology, the evolution of earth systems and genetics. If you enroll in a paleoecology course, you will learn about the role of fossils in ancient ecosystems. In a paleobiogeography course you will focus on plate tectonics.
Senior Thesis
Quite possibly, you will be required to complete a senior thesis in order to graduate with your paleontology degree. You must create a research project, regularly meet with a faculty adviser and submit a final paper. Some programs may require laboratory work and some may require you to defend your thesis before a committee. Internship opportunities will expose you to research material. Volunteering at a museum or doing independent research with your paleontology professor can help spark ideas.
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