Bachelor Of Science With Honours - Paleontology at University of Alberta - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-14

Program overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science with Honours in Paleontology is a distinguished program that delves into the history of life through the fossil record. This program is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the evolution and extinction of ancient life forms. With a strong emphasis on research, students will engage in a comprehensive study of fossils, earth sciences, and biological sciences, preparing them for advanced studies in the field. The program is recognized globally for its exceptional faculty and extensive resources, including access to unique digs and fossil collections.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Science with Honours in Paleontology is structured to provide students with a robust educational foundation in paleontology and related sciences. The program is designed to be completed in a standard duration of four years, allowing students to immerse themselves in both theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline.

Key features of the program structure include:

In-depth training in paleontology, earth sciences, and biological sciences.
Embedded research thesis project to enhance research skills.
Higher academic standards compared to a BSc Major degree.
Option to add a minor from various faculties, although this may limit elective courses.
Interdisciplinary approach to learning, integrating various scientific fields.

Students will benefit from hands-on experiences and opportunities to engage in research, making this program a unique choice for aspiring paleontologists.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Science with Honours in Paleontology offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

Access to world-renowned researchers and extensive fossil collections.
Opportunities for fieldwork, including digs and bone bed explorations.
Hands-on experience in laboratories and research settings.
Collaboration with leading experts in the field of paleontology.
Potential for internships and co-op placements to gain practical experience.

These experiences are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of paleontology and prepare them for future careers in the field.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Paleontology can pursue a variety of exciting career paths in Canada, including:

Paleontologist: Study fossils and ancient life forms to understand evolutionary processes.
Museum Curator: Manage and oversee collections of fossils and artifacts in museums.
Field Technician: Conduct fieldwork to collect and analyze fossil specimens.
Environmental Policy Analyst: Evaluate and develop policies related to environmental conservation and fossil preservation.
Research Scientist: Engage in scientific research to advance knowledge in paleontology and related fields.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to contribute significantly to the understanding of our planet's history and the preservation of its natural heritage.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Alberta official website

Last updated on 2025-05-14

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For students interested in applying to the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Paleontology program, here are the key Academic Requirements:

Students must have completed five academic subjects in high school (higher secondary education).
To obtain a conditional offer, students need to provide school results including Grade 11 and the first semester of Grade 12.
An unconditional offer requires a minimum average of 4.9 in all five required subjects from the graduation exam (Thi Tot Nghiep THPT/Tuyen Sinh Cao Dang-Dai Hoc).
No subjects can be used with a grade below 4, and Civic Education cannot be included in the five subjects or the admission average calculation.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam, it is essential to meet the following criteria:

Students must achieve a minimum average of 4.9 in the required subjects for their program.
For the Faculty of Engineering, a higher minimum average of 6.9 is required.

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure all requirements are met. For any clarification or support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

The University of Alberta requires all undergraduate applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English before admission. This requirement applies to all programs, except for those in the Faculté Saint-Jean, which requires proficiency in French. The following methods can be used to fulfill the English language proficiency requirement:

Successful completion of three years of full-time education in English in Canada or in another country where English is recognized as an official language of instruction.
Completion of one of the following:
- A final blended grade of 75% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 from Alberta or English 12 from British Columbia.
- A final or predicted grade of 5 or better on the International Baccalaureate English A1, A2, or a grade of 6 or better on English B.
- A final or predicted grade of 5 or better on the International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or English A: Language and Literature.
- A grade of 4 or better on the Advanced Placement English College Board examination.
- A grade of B or better in a GCE Advanced Level (A-level) or Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS-level), GCSE, IGCSE or O-level English Language or Literature course.
- A grade of B+ or better in 6 units of course weight of university-level English studies completed at a recognized English language institution.
Graduation from a recognized degree program offered by an accredited university where English is the primary language of instruction.
A score of at least 90 on the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-based) with no less than 21 on each band.
A score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) with no band less than 6.0.
A score of at least 70 on the Canadian Academic English Language assessment: CAEL (paper) or CAEL CE (computer) with no band less than 60.
A score of at least 61 on the PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) with no less than 60 in each communicative skill.
An overall Cambridge English scale score of at least 180 on the C1 Advanced with no less than 170 in each skill.
An overall Cambridge English scale score of at least 180 on the C2 Proficiency with no less than 170 in each skill.
Successful completion of the University of Alberta’s EAP 136/INT D 137.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!