Bachelor of Science majoring in Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Adelaide

Program Overview

Step into the fascinating story of life on Earth with the Bachelor of Science in Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology at the University of Adelaide. This degree is perfect for curious, hands-on explorers who love both biology and geology, and who want to understand how species evolve, how ecosystems transform over time, and what fossils really reveal about our planet’s past — all while gaining practical skills in labs and out in the field.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Think of this as opening the door to a whole new world. You’ll start with foundational science in courses like Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells, learning how life works at the tiniest scales. At the same time, you’ll develop a broad scientific perspective through units like Science of People, Society and the Future Planet and Data Skills for Scientists. These courses are designed to be interactive and engaging, balancing lectures, labs, and field experiences — helping you build the confidence to ask the big questions about life’s history.

Year 2: This is where the adventure deepens. You’ll explore Evolutionary Biology II to understand how species change over generations, while geology units like Sedimentary Geology II teach you to “read” the rocks that hold fossils. With Molecular Methods in Ecology and Evolution, you’ll sharpen your skills in analyzing real scientific data and spotting patterns in both living and ancient life. Fieldwork takes a bigger role here, connecting your lab discoveries to real-world Earth systems.

Year 3: Here, everything comes together, and you graduate as a confident, capable scientist. Field Palaeontology III will have you excavating, preparing, and interpreting fossils in real outdoor settings, while Geochronology, Fossils and Palaeoenvironments III helps you make sense of timelines and environments from deep time. Courses like Evolution of Australian Biota III give you insight into one of the world’s most unique biological landscapes, preparing you for careers, honours study, or specialised scientific roles.

Focus Areas: evolutionary theory, fossil interpretation, field palaeontology, geological contexts, ecological relationships.

What You’ll Graduate Able To Do: analyse evolutionary patterns, interpret fossil and geological data, carry out research in both lab and field settings, and communicate complex scientific ideas with clarity and confidence.

Professional Alignment: This degree is carefully designed to meet the training standards expected in science industries and further study. By blending fieldwork, lab techniques, and analytical thinking, you’ll gain skills that employers in research, conservation, museums, and environmental consulting value highly. The University of Adelaide also works closely with scientific partners to make sure your learning is purposeful and relevant from day one.

Reputation and Employability: Studying at Adelaide means joining a world-ranked university, regularly placed in the top 100 globally in QS rankings, with strong research and science credentials. Graduates carry this prestige into careers or postgraduate study anywhere in the world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Here’s how you can genuinely talk about the Bachelor of Science majoring in Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology at the University of Adelaide in a warm, student‑focused way 👇

This degree is all about doing science, not just reading about it. From your very first year, you’re working with real fossils, digging into evolutionary questions and learning in places that scientists actually use – from labs with industry‑standard tools to outdoor field sites where palaeontology comes alive. You won’t just learn theories in lecture halls; you’ll build practical skills in lab settings, develop resilience and adaptability on field trips, and collaborate with active researchers on hands‑on projects that mirror real scientific work. If you love learning by doing, this program is structured to get you career‑ready through experiences that matter in the real world.

Here’s a snapshot of the real experiential learning you’ll get in this program:

Purpose‑built laboratory experiences where you examine real fossil organisms and practise palaeontological techniques alongside researchers.
Fieldwork that takes you out into nature to build practical skills, physical stamina and adaptability through hands‑on palaeontology excursions.
Opportunities to learn how to search, survey, excavate, prepare and curate fossil sites and specimens, just as working scientists do.
Work‑integrated learning courses like Field Palaeontology, where you carry out field‑based projects and apply your learning in real contexts.
Group‑based practical projects that mirror collaborative scientific research and help you build teamwork and communication skills.

This degree doesn’t just tell you about evolution and fossils — it immerses you in the practice of science so you graduate confident, capable, and ready for the next step.

Progression & Future Opportunities

When you graduate from the Bachelor of Science in Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology at University of Adelaide, you leave with more than knowledge about fossils and ancient life. You walk away with a deep understanding of how life on Earth has evolved over billions of years — and, just as importantly, with the practical research, fieldwork and analytical skills that employers genuinely value.

Graduates from this degree often find themselves working in roles where science meets the real world. Some go into positions like resource information officer, collection manager, paleogeneticist, or senior curator, while others move into specialist scientific roles that blend biology, geology and environmental science. While palaeontology itself can be a specialised field that often leads into further study, the skills you develop here are broad and flexible — opening doors across environmental science, biology, conservation and research-focused careers.

What this means for you during your degree

You’re not left to figure out your future alone. The University offers hands-on career support designed specifically for science students. Through the Careers Service, you’ll get help mapping out career options, refining your resume, preparing for interviews and attending career events. You’ll also have access to CareerHub — a free platform where you can find jobs, internships and workshops during your studies and for up to a year after you graduate. Mentoring programs connect you with industry professionals, giving you real insights into scientific careers and practical advice as you get closer to entering the workforce.

Real experience, not just theory

One of the biggest advantages of this degree is the opportunity to gain professional experience while you study. Science students can take part in structured internships and industry-style placements, helping you build confidence, practical skills and professional networks before you graduate. That real-world exposure makes a huge difference when you’re applying for roles or postgraduate study later on.

Skills that travel with you

The degree is designed to future-proof your career. You’ll graduate with strong analytical thinking, interdisciplinary research experience, and hands-on lab and field skills. Even if you don’t pursue palaeontology directly, these capabilities transfer naturally into areas like conservation genetics, biodiversity monitoring, climate adaptation, environmental consulting and policy-related science roles.

A degree with long-term value

Studying at a research-intensive Group of Eight university means your qualification carries weight — both in Australia and internationally. Employers and academic institutions recognise the depth and rigour of training that comes with a University of Adelaide science degree.

Where you can go next academically

After completing the Bachelor’s degree, many students choose to continue into Honours to deepen their research experience — a common and valuable pathway if you’re considering research careers or a PhD. From there, you could move into postgraduate study at Master’s or doctoral level in areas such as evolutionary biology, environmental science, genetics, conservation biology or geology. These pathways expand your expertise and open up opportunities in research, consulting, policy development, museums, and heritage or environmental science roles.

In short, this degree gives you perspective — on Earth’s past, yes — but also on your future, with skills and support that grow with you long after graduation.