Palaeontology

The BSc Honours in Palaeontology aims to shed light on the evolution of life on Earth through a variety of different fields of study, but mainly through the fossil record.

Overview

Why study Palaeontology?

The very rich geological and fossil heritage of South Africa gives this country a geographic advantage in understanding the development of Life. The large number of internationally significant fossil forms that have been discovered in the country have made international news headlines and are a source of national pride and inspiration for all SA citizens.

South Africa’s uniquely rich and diverse fossil record documents the origins of many important evolutionary transitions such as the earliest evidence of life, a diversity of ancient fish, one of the oldest tetrapods, the earliest land-living trees, and the origins of dinosaurs, tortoises, and mammals as well as humans. Because of its diverse fossil heritage, the world-class research facilities of the University of the Witwatersrand and the international status of its palaeontologists this country is an exciting place to embark on a career in Palaeontology.

Why study Palaeontology at Wits

The Wits Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI) a the University of the Witwatersrand is the largest palaeontological/ palaeoanthropological research entity in Africa and one of the largest of its kind in the world. Amongst other exciting discoveries, Wits palaeoscientists are undertaking game-changing research on dinosaurs (eg. Ledumahadi mafube), the most distant ancestry of mammals, tortoises, and human evolution (Homo naledi, Australopithecus sediba, Little Foot), as well as undertaking ground-breaking research in stratigraphy and basin analysis.

The Evolutionary Studies Institute at Wits is a leader in palaeosciences because:

  • It is host to the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences
  • It produces more than 80 research publications in palaeosciences annually
  • It has a wide network of research collaborations with palaeoscientists from all continents
  • It has active participation of researchers on editorial boards of international palaeoscience journals
  • It employs seven palaeontologists in tenured positions, all of whom have NRF ratings
  • It has strong links with palaeotourism projects including the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and the Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre
  • It is the foremost palaeontological training centre in Africa. Palaeontology students are enrolled in the Science Faculty, and the ESI offers a BSc Honours course in Palaeontology, and offers MSc and PhD degrees by research
  • It publishes the internationally respected journal Palaeontologia africana. The only journal dedicated to publishing research relating to African palaeontology
  • Staff have a dedication to fieldwork, and a commitment to involving Honours, MSc and PhD students in independent field projects
  • Has a strong record of success in placing students in research positions both in Academia and the open market
  • Has a vibrant academic environment with much social interaction amongst staff and postgraduate students
  • Has world-class research facilities
    • Largest fossil collection in South Africa - extensive collections of fossil hominins and associated faunas from the Cradle of Humankind; Palaeozoic and Mesozoic vertebrates from the Karoo Supergroup; and the largest  palaeobotany herbarium in the southern hemisphere.
    • Micro-CT scanner, 3D printer, and virtual image processing laboratory
    • Well-equipped fossil preparation and casting facilities
    • Well-equipped archaeology and microscope laboratory
    • On campus access to SEM, chemical and mechanical processing laboratories.

Possible funding sources:

Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences
Palaeontological Scientific Trust

Career Opportunities

  • Research (National or International) in vertebrate and invertebrate palaeontology, in palaeobotany, and in evolutionary sciences.
  • Museum curators
  • Fossil preparator, Museum and laboratory technician
  • Palaeontological Impact Assessment consulting
  • Consulting for mining and oil companies

Curriculum

Compulsory Course Modules (first and second blocks)

  • Research Project (PALP4021)
  • Vertebrate  osteology and palaeontology (PALP 4010)/ Lecturers Responsible: Dr Julien Benoit and Dr Shaw Badenhorst
  • Statistics and Geometric Morphometrics (PALP4012)/ Lecturers Responsible: Kimi Chapelle and Dr Julien Benoit
  • Taphonomy and Biostratigraphy (PALP 4016)/ Lecturer Responsible: Prof Roger Smith
  • Phylogenetics (PALP4011)/ Lecturer Responsible: Prof Jonah Choiniere

Optional Course Modules (third and fourth blocks)

  • Hominin Evolution and Osteology (PALP 4013)/ Lecturer Responsible: Dr Bernhard Zipfel
  • Archosaur Evolution (PALP4017)/ Lecturer Responsible: Dr Jonah Choiniere
  • Evolution of Terrestrial Ecosystems (PALP4019)/ Lecturer Responsible: Prof. Marion Bamford
  • Terrestrial and Marine Micropalaeontology (PALP 4015)/ Lecturer Responsible: Dr  Cameron Penn-Clarke

Entry Requirements

Honours:

  • A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent.
  • A pass in the relevant major course at this University or any other university whose programme has been approved by Senate.
  • At least 60% average in the final undergraduate course.

Please note that this is a highly competitive programme and a 60% average does not guarantee admission. 

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.