GeologyRocksCareers in paleobiology....
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Hi Jaybee,I did the Bristol
Mon, 05/18/2009 - 10:14Hi Jaybee,
I did the Bristol MSc and I thoroughly recommend it. I agree that the cost is problematic, however, I'm not currently aware of any similar course that has funding attached. What aspect of palaeobiology are you particularly interested in?
We have a list here on GeologyRocks with currently available MSc courses, it's probably worth you having a look through this to see if anything interests you.
/articles/2008_9_geology_geoscience_postgraduate_taught_masters_courses
You could also have a look on http://www.palass.org/modules.php?name=palaeo&sec=careers&page=95 for more information.
With regards to finding work in palaeontology this is likely to be tricky. Internships etc. are often unpaid, and paid work at the level you describe is hard to come by. The NHM do sometimes advertise positions http://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/jobs/ just be aware that competition is very high, even for unpaid positions!
Voluntary work in a museum is a possibility for you. It will almost certainly be unpaid but would be a huge bonus on your CV in the future when you start applying for palaeo-related jobs or PhD positions.
What area of the country are you in? I might be able to suggest some more specific avenues for you to try out.
Katie
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Hi Katie, thanks for getting
Tue, 05/19/2009 - 22:59Hi Katie, thanks for getting back to me.
My module was concerned with paleoclimate studies primarily (with emphasis on the information obtained from the study of fossil plants). I thoroughly enjoyed this course, but I would be interested in familiarising myself with other aspects of the field. Hence the appeal of the course in Bristol, which covers quite a spectrum of subjects.
I had a look through the lists of masters you linked, and indeed, Bristol remains the obvious choice. I guess I was wondering if there were any other recommended masters courses on the continent ( I'm Irish, so I will be travelling anyway! )
I have been in touch with the Natural History Museum here, in the hope of getting some paid or unpaid work. I think thats really the extent of what is available in this country anyway!
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Careers in paleobiology....
Submitted by Jaybee on Fri, 05/15/2009 - 22:23.Hello! I have just finished (about 24 hours ago) a degree in Environmental Biology. Over the years I have taken a total of two modules in paleobiology subjects (that was all that was available to me, sadly). The first provided a general overview of the subject, the second a study of paleobotany and paleoclimates, and the interactions therein! I very much enjoyed both modules, more so then any other aspect of what was in truth, a very varied degree. Naturally enough then I suppose, I am considering a career in the area. The question is, where to next? My lecturer recommended the Paleobiology masters course in Bristol, which I will certainly apply to. However, at 4,500 pound or so its a little beyond my price range and I would like to apply to more than one programme. Is there any other masters programmes out there people would recommend? I am willing to travel. Its quite likely I will have to take a year out before I can afford to pay for a masters (unless I find a suitable one, somewhere in the EU where such things are free!) in which case I'd like to find a paid internship to get more experience / keep my toe in so to speak. Anyone able to recommend a good place to start looking for these? Has anyone ever tried anything like this? What are the chances of getting a paleo-related job (low wage, entry level type affair) I can only think of museum work, I presume this is hard to come by though? Thanks a mil, J.