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What is the Paleontology option in Earth Sciences
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Short Description: What is the Paleontology Option in Earth Sciences? The Paleontology Option offers students a general geology degree with an emphasis in paleontology. ...
Content Inside: What is the Paleontology Option in Earth Sciences? The Paleontology Option offers students a general geology degree with an emphasis in paleontology. Over 95% of all species that have ever existed are now extinct and biological diversity in past was far greater than today. The Paleontology Option, therefore, examines biological and geological processes that influence the diversification and extinction of a wide range of organisms, from microbes to plants and animals. This multi-disciplinary study investigates the history of life recorded in the rock record, the structure of past ecosystems, and patterns of evolution. What courses would I take in the Paleontology curriculum? Geology and paleontology incorporate a wide variety of analytical methods in the study of the Earth and ancient life. Consequently, lower division courses in the Paleontology Option introduce students to the fundamental principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology. Courses in physical geology and geography provide an overview of the Earth's physical processes and their spatial distribution. Proper analysis of fossils comes only through understanding their geologic context. Upper division courses in mineralogy and petrology provide the analytical tools for interpreting the rock record. Structural geology, geomorphology, and sedimentology further highlight processes such as plate tectonics, mountain building, erosion, and sediment deposition. Historical geology, vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology introduce students to the major fossil groups and their morphology, evolution and extinction. Additional courses cover vertebrate anatomy, macroevolution, and dinosaur paleontology. Classes in taphonomy, field paleontology, and laboratory techniques emphasize analytical methods, while the six-week geology field course provides experience and practical training in field geology In addition, statistics and Earth Sciences writing and seminar classes are designed to further enhance students' critical reading, writing, and analytical skills. Are there hands-on opportunities in Paleontology? Montana provides an excellent outdoor laboratory for geology, with rocks ranging in age from the Precambrian (approximately a billion years old) to the present. Dinosaur-bearing strata are particularly well represented in the state. The Paleontology Option includes eight credits that consist exclusively of fieldwork and many upper division courses provide additional opportunities for field-based projects. Paleontologists at Montana State University have active research programs and conduct paleontology field work every summer. Students gain valuable experience by volunteering for these field crews and the faculty enthusiastically support undergraduate research projects. In addition, the Department of Earth Sciences and the Museum of the Rockies provide training and experience in fossil preparation, including volunteer positions and student employment. How does the Paleontology Option prepare me for more advanced training and employment? This Option within the Department of Earth Sciences incorporates in-depth paleontology training with a basic geology degree. Students completing this program generally exhibit a strong aptitude for geologic interpretations, based on field observations. The field-based emphasis of this curriculum allows students to acquire practical experience that is important to industry, research, and academic employment. Student participation in research activities also offers opportunities generally not
