Students Interested in Paleontology
The Faculty of Science fosters an immersive educational experience that focuses on hands-on learning and in-depth research for students interested in pursuing a career in paleontology.
On this page you'll find projects championed by researchers and graduate students, paleontological resources for prospective and enrolled students, field schools for experiential learning, and relevant professors working in paleontology.
Why Study Paleontology at UAlberta?
Explore the prehistoric world and engage in groundbreaking research under the direction of world-leading paleontologists in UAlberta's Paleontology Degree Program.
Paleontology students can expect an immersive educational experience with some of the top researchers and experts in various paleo- fields, including paleobiology, paleobotany, and more.
Study paleontology at the University of Alberta
Paleo 400: Field School
The Faculty of Science believes in enhancing the education of our students with experiential learning and fieldwork. Read about one of the opportunities paleontology students have to participate in field school, where they can apply their knowledge and gain valuable experience on actual fossil dig sites.
MOOCs
The University of Alberta partnered with Coursera to deliver Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to further the education of students and the general public alike. Some of the courses are for-credit and can count towards completing certain UAlberta degrees.
Check out some of our Paleontology MOOCs and dive into a unique learning experience focused on dinosaurs.
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Dino101
A comprehensive overview of non-avian dinosaurs.
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Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles
When air-breathing terrestrial animals return to water.
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Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution
A comprehensive overview of the origin of vertebrates.
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Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds
A comprehensive overview of the origins of birds.
UAlberta Paleontologists
Do you have questions about paleontology? Talk to some of our professors:
- Alison Murray
Alison Murray's Research Focus: systematics of fossil and living teleost fishes, including phylogenetic studies using osteological characters
- Corwin Sullivan
Corwin Sullivan's Research Focus: diversity, evolution, and functional morphology of fossil vertebrates, especially dinosaurs and other members of Archosauria
- Eva Koppelhus
Eva Koppelhus's Research Focus: paleobotany (the study of fossil plants) and palynology (the study of fossilized spores and pollen)
- Michael Caldwell
Michael Caldwell's Research Focus: vertebrate paleontology (morphology, phylogeny, evolution, and ecology) with a particular focus on fossil and living squamates (snakes and lizards) and extinct marine reptiles
- Philip Currie
Philip Currie's Research Focus: problems with growth and variation of dinosaurs, the anatomy of relationships of carnivorous dinosaurs, and the origin of birds
Looking for another professor in paleontology or a grad supervisor?
Science Volunteers
Dino Lab
Read aboutChristopher Harrison, one of our great volunteers who works in the Dino Lab cleaning and preparing fossils and other dinosaur remains for our catalogues.
Excavating the Mysteries of a Dinosaur Mummy
Peering inside a dinosaur mummy
Join Phil Bell and Philip Currie as they examine a 75-million year old Hadrosaur skull with some of its skin still intact.
Solving the Mystery of a Mongolian Dinosaur
Solving the mystery of a bizarre Mongolian dinosaur | Dr. Philip J. Currie | TEDxCalgary
Listen in on Philip J. Currie's TEDx Talk as he discusses the Korea-Mongolia International Dinosaur Project and the mystery of Deinocheirus.