Undergraduate Course: Scientific Methods in Bio-Archaeology (ARCA10077)
Course Outline
| School | School of History, Classics and Archaeology |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
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. In addition to providing a detailed explanation of these methodologies, this course will focus on how these methods have been successfully applied to a multitude of real-world archaeological questions. |
| Course description |
Key themes that will be investigated include prehistoric mobility and migration, the origins and development of agriculture, palaeodietary reconstruction, infectious disease, and the fate of the Neanderthals. These major research questions will be examined through a series of case studies and workshops.
The course comprises 11 lectures and 6 workshops focusing on the practical, real-world applications of scientific techniques as a tool for archaeological research. The topics covered include:
The appliance of science - an introduction to biomolecules; DNA and archaeology; Relatedness in past populations; Infectious diseases and inherited conditions; Domestication - unnatural selection; Atoms and isotopes; Radiocarbon dating and reservoir effects; Palaeodietary reconstruction; Migration and mobility; Lipid residues in pottery and coprolites
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | Students MUST NOT also be taking
Biomolecular Archaeology: the appliance of science (PGHC11428)
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Other requirements | Pre-requisites: Archaeology 2A and 2B, or Honours entry to degrees in Classics, or equivalent. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the biomolecular methods employed in the analysis of bioarchaeological materials
- demonstrate knowledge of the principal applications of scientific techniques in the reconstruction of the human past
- demonstrate critical understanding of the key issues, concerns and debates surrounding the application of scientific methods in bioarchaeology
- demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate published interpretations of data
- design a research proposal
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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.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Upon successful completion of the course students will have aquired and/or be expected to demonstrate the following transferable skills:
(i) an ability to synthesize and critically evaluate data from primary sources;
(ii) participation in group projects, as well as conducting independent study and research;
(iii) communication of ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing; and
(iv) design and preparation of research proposals.
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| Keywords | Scientific Methods |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Catriona Pickard
Tel: (0131 6)50 2372
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Claire Brown
Tel: (0131 6)50 3582
Email: |
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