Archaeology and Quaternary Palynology (AR0034)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : ACE-3-AQuatPal

Palynology is the study of fossil pollen and spores - it is also one of the most powerful tools for the reconstruction of ancient landscapes and human activities within those landscapes. This course provides a practical introduction to the science of palynology and will explore the application of palynological methods and techniques to archaeological problems.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Archaeology 2A and 2B

? Costs : Hire of minibus for afternoon field trip

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Archaeology, (School of Arts, Culture and Environment, Schedule A)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

? Additional Class Information : Timetable is arranged annually

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and theoretical understanding of: the applications of palynology within Archaeology and Quaternary Studies; the origin evolution and morphology of the major palynomorph groups; the formation of the palynological record (taphonomy); the techniques and methods of palynology. Practical and Professional Skills in: selecting, surveying and sampling sites for palynological analysis; decsription and recording of sediments and soils for palynological analysis; extracting and concentrating palynological assemblages from different lithologies of sediment; identifying and recording palynological assemblages; analysing and presenting palynological data using compluter based tools such as TILIA and SIMPOL. Transferable Skills including a capacity to design a programme of work and to generate new data: a capacity to evaluate critically a body of data and to generate from it inferences or interpretative models against a given set of criteria; ability to make oral presentations on a pre-prepared topic, to lead discussion, and to participate positively in group discussion generated or lead by others; ability to express the outcome of a programme of work in coherenet and accurate written, numeric, graphical or illustrative form to pre-determined specifications; ability to manage their own time and of working to defined objectives within strict limitations of time and/or resources.