Module ARCH1041: SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN ARCHAEOLOGY 1

Department: Archaeology

ARCH1041: SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN ARCHAEOLOGY 1

Prerequisites

• None; only available to students taking the BSc (Hons) Archaeology [F402] or to students in the Faculty of Science.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• This module is only available to students in the Faculty of Science. In addition, Applied Archaeological Methods (ARCH1081) may not be taken after or with this module.

Aims

• This module will provide students with a grounding in a range of scientific methods and techniques used in contemporary archaeology through a critical examination of case studies which stress the significance of scientific techniques appropriate to archaeological questions.

Content

• Students will be taught the basic principles underlying the scientific techniques used in archaeology by means of a series of case studies.
• The module will include the following topics: dating, environmental archaeology, archaeological prospection, human remains in archaeology, and archaeological materials.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module, students will have gained an introductory knowledge of the fundamentals of archaeological science.

• Basic familiarity with a wide range of biological, physical and environmental methods used in archaeology.

• To gain direct experience in essay writing
• Use of the Library
• Tutorial work
• Problem solving

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

• The module is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, formative essays and self-guided learning.
• It is assessed through an unseen examination.
• Lectures will ensure the effective communication of key information and theoretical ideas, supported by reading lists and written summaries of follow-up notes posted on DUO, enabling students to gain up-to-date knowledge, as well as guidance on further reading.
• Tutorials will focus on discussion and feedback between tutors and students in small groups, in a relatively informal learning environment, enabling students to enhance, discuss, question and receive feedback on their knowledge and to gain experience in oral communication and collaborative group-work.
• Self-guided learning comprises personal study, research, revision and evaluation associated with classes and assignments; guided by lecturers, tutors and reading lists of specialist books, articles and web-sites.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Two essays of approx 2,000 words. One short-answer test.

■ 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