Module ARCH43115: Data Science Applications in Heritage and Archaeology

Department: Archaeology

ARCH43115: Data Science Applications in Heritage and Archaeology

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide students with an understanding of the applications of data science in Heritage and Archaeology
• To provide students with experience of handling, amalgamating and analysing diverse datasets from a range of sources and across a range of spatial and temporal scales
• To provide students with experience of using datasets to address problems at the forefront of Heritage and Archaeology, across a range of topics
• To provide knowledge of, and the ability to apply, popular software packages currently used in professional heritage and archaeological settings.

Content

• The content will be based around current topics in data science applications in heritage and archaeology, which may include, but are not limited to:
• Common uses of data science techniques in the Heritage and Archaeology sector
• Geographical Information Systems and Google Earth Engine applications for prospection and heritage management and protection
• Imagery analysis, including multispectral and historical satellite imagery
• Classification and interpretation of geochemical and petrographic digital imagery
• Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and 3D modelling of artefacts and standing features
• Applied statistics and statistical modelling in archaeology

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the role of data science in the Heritage and Archaeology sector
• Understand digital systems for recording and analysing heritage and archaeological data at a variety of spatial scales, including landscapes, sites and artefacts
• Understand the role of imagery enhancement and manipulation in making heritage management decisions and archaeological interpretations

• Ability to download and manipulate Earth Observation products
• Ability to identify archaeological sites and features across a range of media
• Ability to collect, collate and use data from a range of sources and across a range of spatial scales, including computational photographic methods such as RTI, and the 3D modelling of artefacts, heritage sites, monuments, and buildings
• Ability to use standard software packages used in heritage and archaeology research to develop models and solve problems

• Effective written communication
• Production of effective and publication-quality images
• Planning, organising and time-management
• Problem-solving and analysis

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

• The module includes lectures, for imparting information, seminars, for discussion of key topics, and computer-based practical workshops, for developing computational skills. Surgeries will provide drop-in sessions for troubleshooting.
• The lectures will describe the role of data science in the heritage and archaeology sectors and introduce the students to sources of data. Seminars will be based around discussions of relevant published literature on best practice and research case studies. Workshops will be based around two areas, GIS and Remote Sensing, and Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and 3D modelling. Online resources will typically consist of directed reading and a programming environment with example code.
• The summative assessment will be an individual written report on the analysis of a given data set. Students will be provided with datasets but will also have the option to generate their own work on a suitable legacy dataset.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment will take the form of oral feedback on progress and understanding during seminars, practical workshops, and drop-in surgeries.

■ 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