Fossils and the History of Life
3 October 2026
9:30am-5:15pm
Rewley House 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA
Event status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
3 October 2026
Study Format:
In-person day/weekend
Fees:
£140.00
In-person seminar-style day event
A wide-ranging introduction to this inspiring subject, suitable for anyone with an interest in ancient life and the organisms that have evolved on Earth over the last four billion years.
We will start by looking at how fossils become preserved, sometimes in surprising and exquisite detail, and then begin a chronological journey of key events in the evolution of life. Along the way you’ll learn about events such as the Cambrian Explosion (in which most of the major animal groups appeared very rapidly, geologically speaking); the time when plants and animals first moved onto land; the most severe mass extinction of all, at the end of the Permian; dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs, ammonites and other life of the Mesozoic Era; the rise of the mammals, and mammoths of the Ice Age. Other topics include how to recognise some major fossil groups and tips about fossil hunting.
Please note:
- No previous background in palaeontology and geology is needed and no reading is required in advance.
- You are very welcome to bring along your own fossil specimens which you would like to be identified or which you think are of special interest.
- There are a limited number of spaces available for this event, so early booking is advised.
- This event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 30 September 2026.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Programme details
9.15am
Registration at Rewley House reception
9.30am
How fossils get preserved
Key ideas in Palaeontology and Evolution, and some major fossil groups
10.45am
Tea/coffee break
11.15am
Early life and the Cambrian Explosion
Plants and animals move onto land, and other events in the Palaeozoic Era
12.30pm
Lunch break
2pm
Life and death in the Mesozoic Era
Dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs, ammonites and other life of the Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods
3.15pm
Tea/coffee break
3.45pm
Ups and downs of the last 66 million years: life in the Cenozoic Era
5.15pm
Event ends
Accommodation
If you wish to stay with us before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.
Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk
Our accommodation in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.
Dr Peter Sheldon
Dr Sheldon is an Honorary Associate in the School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences at the Open University, where he was a Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences until 2015. He chaired the Open University course on Geology and contributed to many other OU courses. He has given over 90 courses in geology, palaeontology and evolution for Cambridge University’s Professional and Continuing Education since 1979 and over 60 day-schools for Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education since 1993.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Event Fee (includes tea/coffee) | £140.00 |
| Baguette lunch | £7.90 |
| Hot lunch | £22.40 |
Payment
Please see the terms and conditions for our open-access courses.
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Module code: O26P101BIJ
Please use the ‘Book’ button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.