High school subject choices for a future Paleontologist (U of Alberta bound!)

[Vinay Mathews]

Hi everyone,

I am reaching out to this knowledgeable group to seek some guidance for my son, who is very passionate about pursuing a career in paleontology.

He is currently in 10th grade (IB MYP 5) and has three years left before heading off to college. While he is highly motivated, he is a bit conflicted about which science subjects he should prioritize as he transitions into his final high school years.

Here is a quick overview of his interests and his current dilemma:

• His Interests: He is fascinated by DNA and ancient genetics, but he also loves the idea of hands-on field work and discovering fossils.

• The Dilemma: He is unsure whether he should lean more heavily toward Biology or Geology/Earth Sciences for his upcoming coursework to best support this dual interest.

• Target University: He has already identified the University of Alberta as his top choice for an undergraduate degree in Paleontology.

If anyone has experience in this field, knowledge of the University of Alberta’s program, or general advice on what high school classes he should take up, we would be incredibly grateful.

Please feel free to share your thoughts with the group or message me individually. Thank you so much in advance for your time and insights!

Best regards,

Vinay Mathews

[Thomas Yazbek]

Hello Vinay,

Not a professional paleo here but I did take many relevant courses in my undergrad. Defer to others here who may be more precise and accurate, but I hope you find this helpful anyways.

Paleontology can get very multidisciplinary but many universities class the paleo courses under the geology program for a reason. Geology is the most important foundation, and for me was harder to understand than the bio stuff. If you know you want to do a lot of field work, a geology track is highly preferred. Plus, I think it makes the holder more employable, esp. in a place like Alberta where oil industry is important. But, if your son is really passionate about the bio side, especially genetics (which is a pretty involved topic on its own, even separated from paleo), then a biology-heavy track is better.

Being forward-thinking and knowing your son's research interests ahead of time will help. What taxa, geobiological events, units of time, or preservational modes does he seem most interested in? What areas of research does he seem most excited about? Remember, these can change. But there's many subdisciplines which need different skillsets. Vertebrate paleo (birds, mammals) might involve a lot of detailed anatomical knowledge. Physics, math, statistics, computer sci may require more attention than usual depending on research avenues. 

Meet/correspond with as many people as you can at the university or in the field, do your homework, and try to get your son some hands-on experience (perhaps with a geology club or academic institution that's inviting assistants to do a fossil dig, prepare fossils, or even allow him to access museum collections to familiarize himself with them and maybe even do some project). Specific subject matter experts should be happy to explain how they got from high school to where they are now. Above all, GET GOOD GRADES. If concerns about employability as a paleontologist arise, remember that ANYBODY can contribute to this field of science - amateur collectors, fossil preparers, educators, artists, and scientists working primarily in other fields have all made huge contributions without officially calling themselves paleontologists. 

Thomas Yazbeck

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[Vinay Mathews]

Dear Thomas,

Thanks a lot! This means a lot. Will make my son read and discuss and get back to you for clarifications.

Best, 

Vinay Mathews

Founder, Faircent.com

9810403565

On 22 Jul 2026, at 2:37 PM, Thomas Yazbek <yazbe...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Justin Pate]

Hi Vinay

I’ll echo some of the below

I am currently Studying Palaeontology here in Australia.

There really are a couple of streams to think through

Some Palaeos are great with Geology

Some are great with Zoology (think animal behaviour)

If he wants to go into research then maths (statistics) is important (however there are computer programs that can help with that nowadays)

Ive spent time listening to many of the established men and women in the field - most are very strong in one aspect and surround themselves with a team who are stronger in other areas.

As Thomas says there are many options and it’s important to find the option that works best (less Geology and more Biology/zoology as an example)

Most Palaeontologists (including students) are happy to discuss and correspond with others trying to get into the field.

All the best

Justin Pate

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[Mike Taylor]

Also relevant: this tutorial on finding work experience relevant to palaeontology.

https://svpow.com/2019/10/25/tutorial-35-finding-work-experience-relevant-to-palaeontology/

-- Mike.

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[Colin Boisvert]

Hello Mr. Mathews,

A lot has been said, yet I thought I would provide some thoughts as well. I am currently studying to be a paleontologist in the USA. 

First off, the University of Alberta is a phenomenal school from what I know, and an excellent choice to apply to! Regarding UAlberta,  I know two graduate students there I could potentially ask if they have any advice or information to share about the program generally.

One Big question I would ask is what excites him most in the field of paleontology, as this can help with determining potential career options to explore and how best to prepare.

Fieldwork and genetics are great areas to explore, and regarding those two ideas, biology and geology are important to them. If possible, it is great to explore both, but if only one or the other is possible, I might say do some coursework now in Geology that can be followed up with biological coursework later on to help build an understanding of deep time, sedimentological processes, taphonomy, and geologic dating.  Other courses generally that are excellent to explore for paleontology, comparative and/or human anatomy, along with coding classes, provide some excellent skills/ knowledge for the field! 

I would also advise, if possible, to search for potential volunteer opportunities with a museum or university, both in the museum and potentially out in the field for experience. Another resource to check out is summer camps such as the Sternberg camps in the USA or this one I found with the Royal Tyrell Museum ( links below)

Royal Tyrell Camp 

https://tyrrellmuseum.com/whats_on/activities/badlands_science_camp

Sternberg Camps

https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/education-outreach/science-camps/index.html

I can also recommend checking out fieldwork opportunities with Elevation Science Institute 

https://elevationscience.org/

Hope this helps! 

Colin Boisvert 

[Vinay Mathews]

Dear Collin,  

Thank you so much for your valuable advice. Would you be open to scheduling some time to speak with my son as well?"  

Best,  

Vinay Mathews

Founder, Faircent.com

9810403565

On 29 Jul 2026, at 11:57 AM, Colin Boisvert <cdboisv...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Mr. Mathews,

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[Colin Boisvert]

Yes I would be happy to speak with your son!

[Vinay Mathews]

Hi Collin,

I am writing from India (IST) and would love to connect at your convenience. Please share a time for Sunday that suits your schedule.

We can meet via my Zoom Link (here), or just let me know if you prefer any other platform.

Vinay’s Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7590732557

Best, 

Vinay Mathews

Founder, Faircent.com

9810403565

On 31 Jul 2026, at 7:39 AM, Colin Boisvert <cdboisv...@gmail.com> wrote:

Yes I would be happy to speak with your son!

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[Colin Boisvert]

Zoom works for me and how does 9:30 am US central time which should be 9pm IST work for today (Sunday)?

Colin Boisvert 

[Vinay Mathews]

Great! Will see you on:

Vinay’s Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7590732557

Best, 

Vinay Mathews

Founder, Faircent.com

9810403565

On 2 Aug 2026, at 1:21 PM, Colin Boisvert <cdboisv...@gmail.com> wrote:

Zoom works for me and how does 9:30 am US central time which should be 9pm IST work for today (Sunday)?

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/DinosaurMailingGroup/4ac84954-9204-42d5-932e-efcccbf026f3n%40googlegroups.com.

[Vinay Mathews]

Dear Collin,

9 pm here is another 42 mins to go. 

Best, 

Vinay Mathews

Founder, Faircent.com

9810403565

On 2 Aug 2026, at 1:21 PM, Colin Boisvert <cdboisv...@gmail.com> wrote:

Zoom works for me and how does 9:30 am US central time which should be 9pm IST work for today (Sunday)?

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/DinosaurMailingGroup/4ac84954-9204-42d5-932e-efcccbf026f3n%40googlegroups.com.

[Vinay Mathews]

Hi Collin,

We are online on Zoom. Look forward.

Best, 

Vinay Mathews

Founder, Faircent.com

9810403565

On 2 Aug 2026, at 1:21 PM, Colin Boisvert <cdboisv...@gmail.com> wrote:

Zoom works for me and how does 9:30 am US central time which should be 9pm IST work for today (Sunday)?

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/DinosaurMailingGroup/4ac84954-9204-42d5-932e-efcccbf026f3n%40googlegroups.com.