| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
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Archaeological Science (AS) is the application of scientific methods to the study of the human past. In the last few decades, archaeologists have deployed a wide range of scientific methods to research problems including human evolution, chronology, climate, the environment, health, diet, technology, mobility, the manufacture and exchange of goods, and many, many more. The module introduces some of the main problems that archaeologists address using scientific methods of enquiry, as well as the methods themselves. It also shows how scientific and non-scientific methods of enquiry can work together to enhance our understanding of the past. Case studies ranging from prehistory to historical times, small group lab practicals, and tutorials will help you familiarise with this fast-growing branch of archaeology. Given its introductory nature, the module does not require any scientific knowledge as a background.
The aims of the module are:
• To introduce the principal scientific methods used today in archaeology (except field methods)
• To enable students to place archaeological science within the wider field of archaeology
• To foster an understanding of science as an essential tool for addressing social problems in archaeology
• To encourage students to develop an area of interest in specific aspects of archaeological science
Topics may include:
- Chronology and dating methods
- Environmental archaeology: plants and people
- Geoarchaeology and sedimentology
- Zooarchaeology
- Bioarchaeology
- Biomolecular archaeology
- Mobility and exchange studies (people and artefacts)
- Ancient technologies and materials science
- Statistical applications to archaeology
In successfully completing the course, students will be able to:
• identify the principal archaeological questions that can be addressed through scientific methods
• identify the principal scientific methods deployed in contemporary archaeological practice and appraise their most common applications
• critically evaluate strengths and limitations of the scientific methods examined during the module
- Comprehending and appropriately using scientific terminology in archaeology
- Introducing lab H&S and code of conduct
- Enhancing students' critical thinking and team working through lab practicals and formative assignments
- Enhancing students' writing skills through summative assignments
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 14 | 1:00 | 14:00 | PIP lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 70 | 1:00 | 70:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | PIP 1h lab practicals |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 7 | 2:00 | 14:00 | PIP 2h lab practicals |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Weekly reading, revision quizzes and other supplementary learning material |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | PIP assignment preparation tutorials and surgeries |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 75 | 1:00 | 75:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
- Lectures provide an introduction to the archaeological problems and scientific methods discussed through the module.
- 1h and 2h laboratory practicals provide hands-on opportunities to learn and practice the scientific methods introduced in the lectures.
- Workshops (tutorials) provide assignment preparation support and structured Q&A time.
- Structured guided learning including weekly reading, videos, and revision quizzes provide further Canvas-based learning opportunities to students.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 50 | Inspera exam |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 50 | Dating methods essay (1800 words) |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | Weekly Canvas revision quizzes |
- Essay #1 evaluates students' understanding of traditional and scientific dating methods as well as their ability to discuss them critically.
- The Digital Exam evaluates students' knowledge and understanding of all other main subjects and scientific methods covered by the module.
- Weekly formative Canvas quizzes provide opportunities to revise the topics introduced and practised in the classroom/lab and prepare for the assessed quiz.
Recommended textbook: Renfrew, C. & P. Bahn. 2020. Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice, 8th edition. London: Thames & Hudson.
Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2023/24 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2024/25 entry will be published here in early-April 2024. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.