Introduction to the BSc Honours in Palaeontology and Geology

The BSc Honours in Palaeontology and Geology is a cross-disciplinary programme in Earth Sciences that combines elements of Palaeontology and Geology. This programme is designed for students who wish to integrate geological and palaeontological knowledge to solve problems related to the history of life, environmental change, and surface conditions through geological time.

Overview of the Programme

The programme caters to students who want to integrate geological and palaeontological knowledge to understand the history of life, environmental change, and surface conditions through geological time. South Africa's rich geological and fossil heritage provides a unique advantage in understanding the development of life. The University of the Witwatersrand has world-class research facilities and internationally recognized palaeontologists, making it an exciting place to embark on a career in Palaeontology.

Why Study Palaeontology and Geology at Wits?

Wits has the largest grouping of Earth Scientists in South Africa, with a strong focus on Geology and Palaeontology. This programme is the only one of its kind in South Africa. Wits scientists are undertaking groundbreaking research on dinosaurs, human evolution, and stratigraphy, and the university is host to the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of this programme include:

• Research in sedimentology, stratigraphy, vertebrate and invertebrate palaeontology, and palaeobotany
• Museum curators
• Fossil preparators
• Museum and laboratory technicians
• Palaeontological impact assessment consulting
• Consulting for mining and oil companies

Curriculum

The programme consists of compulsory and optional course modules, including:

Compulsory Course Modules

• Research Project (PALP4025)
• Vertebrate Osteology and Palaeontology (PALP4010)
• Statistics and Geometric Morphometrics (PALP4012)
• Phylogenetics (PALP4011)
• Terrestrial and Marine Micropalaeontology (PALP4015)
• Earth Evolution and Global Tectonics (GEOL4026A)

Optional Course Modules

• Hydrogeology (GEOL4014)
• Structural Geology and Mineralisation Processes (GEOL4030A)
• Surficial Geochemistry (GEOL4022A)

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the programme, students must have:

• A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent
• A pass in the relevant major course at the University of the Witwatersrand or any other university whose programme has been approved by Senate
• At least 60% average in the final undergraduate course Priority is given to graduates who have completed a BSc Geological Sciences or equivalent in the School of Geosciences at Wits, with a minimum of 60% in Geology III.

University Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees can be found on the university's website. The university also offers various funding opportunities, including postgraduate merit awards and NRF bursaries.

Programme Details

• Programme Code: SHA00
• Faculty: Science
• School: Geosciences
• Qualification: BScHons
• Duration: 1 year
• Study Mode: Full-time
• Closing Date: 30 November
• Honours Programme Coordinator: Dr. Julien Benoit