Bachelor of Science in Paleontology and Evolution

at University of Bristol - Clifton Campus United Kingdom

This joint honours degree combines a rigorous training in mathematics and computer science and its applications.

Mathematics is the language of the sciences and is of core value in an advanced understanding of computer science.

Computer science provides many of the key tools needed to solve the most important and pressing problems of the modern age.

The degree is ideal for someone looking to apply themselves in fields as varied as high finance, cryptography, quantum computing, algorithm design, machine learning and data science.

In your first year you will study essential, core components of mathematics and computer science, giving you a rigorous foundation for future years. Subsequently, you will have the opportunity to tailor your mathematics and computer science options so that you graduate with a balance of theoretical and practical skills that reflects your interests.

The next frontier in robotics will take inspiration from biology to design robots that are soft, smart, green, and social. From microrobots for cancer treatment, to swarms powering warehouses, soft grippers for manufacturing, and new material interfaces for prosthetics, biorobots will provide solutions to today’s global challenges. State-of-the-art robots will in turn power scientific discovery, allowing for the study of living systems in their natural habitats from robots automating experiments in the lab, to artificial fish studying pollution in the deep sea.

This programme brings together life scientists and engineers in an interdisciplinary environment where solutions are co-created with stakeholders in mind. For the life scientists, this will open new horizons powered by Robotics and AI, skills in high demand in today’s job market. For the engineers, this will go beyond a typical robotics training, towards reinventing the way robots are designed and used with bioinspiration at heart.

This unique combination of biology and engineering will develop core professional skills including working across disciplines and responsible open-ended innovation. The programme centres around a common core in fundamental robotics and life sciences, followed by dedicated taught and project-based biorobotics units that will walk you through latest research and applications, with a hands on understanding of how to build these systems yourself, and demonstrations of how they can be used for good.

This innovative program aims to give you the knowledge, skills and practical training needed to work with wildlife, and places particular emphasis on wildlife health and conservation on a global scale.

Cutting-edge topics include animal capture and handling techniques; the assessment, stabilisation and transportation of injured animals; methods for improving the welfare of captive animals; concepts in behavioural ecology; endangered species breeding program; the reintroduction of captive populations to the wild; practical conservation strategies; and the management of protected areas. The curriculum also delivers a comprehensive introduction to wildlife disease ecology, surveillance and control.

A distinctive feature of this MSc is the large number of specialist lectures, workshops and seminars that are delivered by leading researchers, conservationists and wildlife veterinarians from outside the University. These provide valuable networking opportunities that will benefit you in your future career.

This highly successful MSc program is designed for students who want to put greater emphasis on accounting, finance and management topics in their graduate studies. The programme is academically rigorous and tailored to the needs of the current business environment.

In the first term you will develop key skills and a grounding in accounting, finance and management. This will prepare you for the more advanced units taught in the second term. You will study four core units and then be able to choose one optional unit from each of the key subject areas of accounting, finance and management and one additional optional unit from the research method section.

The final part of the MSc is a project-based dissertation of between 10,000 and 15,000 words. Options for dissertation subject areas are provided and you will be able to choose from a set of dissertation topics in these broader areas. Many of the dissertations are literature-based and you are expected to acquire and use literature search skills with a range of electronic and traditional sources.

This course provides an exciting intellectual challenge from the outset. In year one you will study physics, mathematics and philosophical topics such as metaphysics, the theory of knowledge and ethics.

Subsequent years allow you to study the overlap between physics and philosophy in depth. You will study the philosophy of science and the foundations and philosophy of physics.

The course gives you the opportunity to develop a physicist's broad range of skills, including problem-solving, numeracy and communication, and to supplement these with a philosopher's ability to rigorously analyse complex texts and form coherent arguments on complex subjects.

You will join a friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

If you care about animals then this exciting degree can lead to a range of careers, from working as a veterinary nurse in general practice, to opportunities in the field of behaviour and welfare for animal charities or the commercial sector.

Having achieved accreditation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the course is provisionally validated by the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) as fulfilling the academic requirements for accreditation as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) and already provides you with the opportunity to begin gaining the practical experience needed for certification as a CCAB. For more information, please visit the ASAB website. Full validation is expected in 2022 (subject to satisfying ASAB's conditions) and will apply to all graduates of the course.

Your first two years are based predominantly within Bristol city centre where our pre-clinical facilities are situated at the UK's only School of Anatomy. Years three and four are based at Bristol Vet School in the beautiful Somerset village of Langford. Along with dedicated state-of-the art clinical facilities, you'll find everything to make you feel at home, including a café, gym, and on-site accommodation.