Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module ARCH40130: RESEARCH AND STUDY SKILLS IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Department: Archaeology

ARCH40130: RESEARCH AND STUDY SKILLS IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Type Open Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2008/09
Tied to

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To enable students to acquire an understanding of research methods, study and presentation skills in archaeological science.

Content

  • Using the library and the internet
  • Academic writing skills
  • Oral and poster presentation skills, including powerpoint presentations
  • Computing and statistics
  • Research studentship, grant and job applications including writing C.V.s
  • Macroscopic, radiographic, histological and biomolecular methods of analysis

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with a variety of up-to-date methods used in palaeopathology, data collection and interpretation, effective presentation of research results; both orally and written. Knowledge of how to apply for research grants and write an academic CV
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Developed the ability to collect and process data in their specialist area and utilise a wide range of resources.
  • Acquired an independent approach to developing their research methods and skills, including the effective use of library facilities and understanding the academic norms of writing.
Key Skills:
  • Development of independent research and learning skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module will be delivered using a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical sessions. It aims to help students gain skills necessary for the world of work and/or research. Therefore the delivery methods and assessment are focused on attaining those skills e.g. oral and written communication, computing and statistical analysis, 'career development', and methods of analysis in palaeopathological research.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures/Tutorials 13 twice a week 1 hour 26
Seminars 1 once 2 hours 2
Practicals 3 3 times 2 hours 6
Preparation and Reading 266
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Portfolio 1 Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Academic CV 750 25%
AHRC Grant Application 750 25%
Article abstract 250 25%
Statistics exercise 750 25%
Component: Portfolio 2 Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Article critique 1250 words 50%
Pathological bone description 1250 words 50%

Formative Assessment:

Pathological bone description - 1250 words


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University