UCSB的地球科学系在从喜马拉雅山的最高山峰，南极洲的旷野到尚未发现的海底深处的各个地区进行了实地研究。我们的研究生和本科生直接参与探索隐喻的兴奋。由杰出和敬业的教师授课（包括美国国家科学院的几名成员，以及UCSB杰出教学奖的获得者），学生们将发现正在展开的行星戏剧。古生物学是对化石的研究，可以作为地质时期演化模式和过程的证据。古生物学家试图了解发现化石的地质环境，并从对生物的全面了解中解释化石的生物学。
Paleobiologists study Earth's past life, using fossils to understand the biology and ecology of organisms long extinct, to reconstruct ancient ecosystems, and to study the patterns and processes of evolution in deep time. They also use fossils to unravel the evolution of the atmosphere, oceans and crust of our planetincluding the configuration of ancient supercontinents, variation in past climates, and the effects humans have had on the environment. A sound knowledge of living organisms is key to paleobiology, making it the emphasis for students who love both biology and geology. Paleobiology provides you a 4-billion-year perspective on the history of life and our small role within it.<br><br>The Department of Earth Science at UCSB conducts many field studies in geographic areas ranging from the tallest mountain peaks of the Himalayas, the wilderness of Antarctica, to the vast undiscovered depths of the ocean floor. Our graduate and undergraduate students participate directly in the excitement of exploring unknown terra incognita. Taught by a distinguished and dedicated faculty (including several members of the National Academy of Sciences and winners of the UCSB Distinguished Teaching Award), students in Earth Science experience the wonder of discovery and come to appreciate and connect to the unfolding planetary drama of which they are part. Because Earth Science students acquire such diverse tools and skills in mapping, analyzing, visualizing, computing, and problem-solving, they are well-prepared for a broad range of careers in the private sector, government, K-12 education, academia, and the industry.