Module overview
The application of scientific techniques is increasingly embedded in archaeological studies and is an area where the UK currently leads the world. Techniques such as dating methods, the use of isotopes to reconstruct past diet or human migrations and the sequencing of ancient DNA are responsible for many major recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the past. But rather than teach students to produce scientific data, or bog them down with scientific equations, this module aims to give the students the skills required to be consumers of archaeological science. They will become familiar with the scientific literature and learn to cast a critical eye over scientific data; interpret it for themselves and engage in the archaeological debates arising from the science.