Dr. Alex Liu

Professor

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Biography

I am a palaeobiologist whose research focuses on the fossil record of the earliest animals. My work currently investigates the late Ediacaran fossil record, which spans the geological interval of approximately 580 to 539 million years ago, when the earliest recognisable animals diversified in the global oceans. I study Ediacaran sedimentology, palaeogeography, and the preservation of soft tissues in the rock record. Through a combination of biological, ecological, and sedimentological analytical approaches, I aim to resolve the early evolutionary history of animals and their interplay with major environmental changes. I teach several courses, including Part 1B ESA Carbonate and Part II Ancient Life Environments, and coordinate field trips to Dorset. I also supervise PhD and Masters students on various projects related to Ediacaran evolution and palaeogeography. I am a member of the Ediacaran Subcommission of Stratigraphy and the Cambridge Philosophical Society, and I work with various students on research projects related to Ediacaran palaeobiology.

Research Interests

Experience

Henslow Junior Research Fellow

— Present

Girton College, University of Cambridge • Cambridge, United Kingdom

NERC Independent Research Fellow

— Present

University of Bristol • Bristol, United Kingdom

University Lecturer

— Present

University of Cambridge • Cambridge, United Kingdom

Associate Professor

— Present

University of Cambridge • Cambridge, United Kingdom

Professor of Palaeobiology

— Present

University of Cambridge • Cambridge, United Kingdom

Requirements for University of Cambridge

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Reading
Required:25
Writing
Required:25
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:110
Prerequisites
UK Bachelor's Degree with good Upper Second Class Honours or international equivalent Background in international relations, politics, law, economics, security or history is a definite asset
Application Checklist
  • Two academic references
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Personal statement (approx 500 words)
  • Research proposal (1-2 pages/500 words)
  • Application fee (£50)
Specialization Notes

Standard postgraduate requirements for Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) and related humanities departments.