Paleontology Course: Paleontology is the scientific study of life on earth through fossils. It classifies them and studies their interactions with each other and their surroundings.
Fossils are the remains of plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and other living organisms that have been replaced by rock material or their impressions have been preserved on a rock. Palaeontologists use these fossils to understand extinct and living organisms. Fossils sometimes prove out to be great evidence and contain vital information about the organism’s life and environment.
It focuses on all aspects of the biology of ancient life forms: their shape, structure, taxonomy, evolutionary pattern, and geographic distribution.
SKILLS REQUIRED
- Peculiar and meticulous nature
- Patience
- Good communication skills
- Good documentation skills
- Logical and critical thinking
- Analytical skills
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Paleontology Course: Eligibility
- For Bachelor’s in Paleontology: Candidate must have completed 10+2 with science stream from the recognized education board.
- For Master’s in Paleontology: Candidate must be a graduate in any relevant discipline with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
Qualifying marks in the entrance exam conducted by the university/Institute (varies from college to college).
Paleontology Sub-disciplines:-
- Micropaleontology: Study of microscopic fossils
- Paleobotany: Study of fossil plants
- Palynology: Study of pollen and spores produced by land plants and protists
- Invertebrate Paleontology: Study of invertebrate animal fossils
- Vertebrate Paleontology: Study of vertebrate fossils
- Paleoanthropology: Study of pre-historic human and proto-human fossils
- Taphonomy: Study of processes of decay and preservation of fossils
- Ichnology: Study of fossil tracks, trails, and footprints.
- Paleoecology: Study of the ecology and climate of past
Paleontology course is a two-year post-graduate course. It is for those who have a keen interest in pre-historic life and its relationship with the surroundings. This course focuses on subjects like geology, biology, and archaeology. It is a science-related course but has a broad field. It requires knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and mathematics.
Best Paleontology Colleges in India
- Geological Survey of India, Bandlaguda, Hyderabad
- IISER, Kolkata
- Lucknow University, Lucknow
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata
- Presidency University, Kolkata
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
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Top universities abroad offering Paleontology course:
- University of Portsmouth
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Chicago
- University of California
Paleontology Job Prospects
- Research Specialist
- Professor
- Museum Curator
- Science Journalist
- Consultant
- Paleontology Lab Manager
- Education and Outreach Specialist
- Museum Research and Collections Manager
WORK AREAS
- Universities and Colleges
- Museums
- Government projects
- Professional consultancy
- Petroleum industry
- State and federal geological surveys
Paleontology Course: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How much does a paleontologist earn?
The salary offered to a paleontologist generally depend upon factors such as level of education, skills acquired, and work experience. Salaries in government sectors are fixed while salaries in the private sector vary. Salaries are often high in the private sector.
A fresher paleontologist can expect a salary of up to Rs.2 lacs to Rs.3 lacs per annum which will ascend with work and experience.
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- What is the scope of Paleontology course in India?
Paleontology is a promising career option and slowly and steadily it is gaining popularity in India. Archaeological and Geological research institutes in India as well as abroad always look up to hiring qualified Paleontologist. Paleontologists’ demand overseas is higher than that in India. Paleontologists also get to travel to exotic locations in search of historical shreds of evidence which makes this profession even more interesting and exciting.
- Does being a Paleontologist means you will have to do a lot of fieldwork?
Initially, fresher paleontologists are given a lot of fieldwork. But when you acquire great experience and expertise and have the required leadership qualities you can end up with roles like a project manager or senior researcher in various government or private research projects. However, if nothing else works then one can very well take up the profession of teaching.