Introductory Palaeontology
UndergraduateUNE-GEOL2022025
Combine elements of biology, geology and chemistry to unearth prehistoric life forms. By studying fossils, you’ll explore the history of life on Earth. Explore theories that cover the progression of life—from origins, to evolution, and extinction.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 12 Oct 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Start dates
- 24 Feb 2025,
- 20 Oct 2025
- Price from
- $2,351
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Introductory Palaeontology
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad theoretical/technical understanding of the progression of life on Earth;
- describe and evaluate theories for the origin of life and by doing so demonstrate the ability to analyse and transmit information to others using written or verbal forms;
- identify and describe a selection of invertebrate fossil groups and by doing so demonstrate a broad theoretical/technical knowledge of the subject and the ability to analyse and transmit information to others; and
- demonstrate a broad theoretical/technical understanding of a variety of palaeontological topics such as evolution, extinction, palaeoecology and taxonomy.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
This subject teaches students the fundamental principles of palaeontology and introduces them to the history of life on Earth. Readings and lectures cover topics such as the origin of life, evolution, extinction and palaeoecology. A series of practical exercises emphasises core concepts in palaeontology, covering both pure and applied aspects of the discipline.
There is no intensive school for GEOL202. However, there is a non-mandatory two day face-to-face experience including a workshop and field excursion to a nearby fossil locality to give students an opportunity to see, measure and collect fossils in the field. On campus and online students are encouraged to attend.
Assessment 1: Essay. 2000 words.Relates to Learning Outcomes 1 and 4;
Assessment 2: Quiz. 200 words (equivalent). Relates to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4;
Assessment 3: Practicals. 1000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 4.- Assessment 1: Essay - 2000 words (30%)
- Assessment 2: Quizzes - 200 words (equivalent) (30%)
- Assessment 3: Practicals - 1000 words (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.
Learn more about UNE.
Explore UNE courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 36
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- UNE-DSC-DIP-2025 - Diploma in Science
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lecture and other media provided in units, a USB style headset has proven to provide superior audio quality to the jack style headset when used for online teaching software). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended for participation in virtual classrooms). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. Please refer students to link for requirements: http://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Travel requirements - Travel may be required if attending the non-mandatory face-to-face workshop and field excursion.
- Other requirements -
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateUNE-DSC-DIP