Postgraduate Course: Biomolecular Archaeology: the appliance of science (PGHC11428)
Course Outline
| School | School of History, Classics and Archaeology |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Analytical techniques and scientific methods are increasingly used in the reconstruction of the human past. Molecular and isotopic analyses of human and animal remains are providing startling new insights into human evolution and prehistoric lifeways. |
| Course description |
In addition to providing a detailed explanation of these techniques, this course will focus on how these methods have been successfully applied to a multitude of real-world archaeological questions. Key themes that will be investigated include biomolecule preservation and sampling, prehistoric mobility and migration, the origins and development of
agriculture, dietary reconstruction, infectious disease, human evolution, and the fate of the Neanderthals. Current research questions will be examined through a series of case studies and workshops.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate in coursework assessment and seminar discussions detailed knowledge of the molecular and isotopic methods employed in the analysis of bioarchaeological materials
- Demonstrate in coursework and seminar discussions an appreciation of the principal applications of scientific techniques in the reconstruction of the human past from bioarchaeological materials
- Demonstrate in coursework assessment and seminar discussions a critical understanding of the key issues, concerns and debates surrounding the application of scientific methods in bioarchaeology
- Demonstrate in coursework assessment and seminar discussions an ability to critically evaluate published interpretations of data
- Demonstrate in coursework assessment an understanding of the structure and key components of research proposals
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Reading List
Brown, T. and Brown, K., 2011. Biomolecular Archaeology: an introduction. Wiley-Blackwell
Jones, M., 2001. The Molecule Hunt. Allen Lane
Matisoo-Smith, E. and Horsburgh, A., 2012. DNA for Archaeologists. Left Coast Press |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Biomolecular,Archaeology,Science |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Catriona Pickard
Tel: (0131 6)50 2372
Email: |
Course secretary | Mr Gordon Littlejohn
Tel: (0131 6)50 3782
Email: |
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