Module overview
The development of geophysical survey methods has provided archaeologists with a wholly new approach to buried archaeological remains allowing - in some circumstances - plans of entire archaeological sites to be obtained prior to any excavation. The use of geophysical instruments for survey, and the interpretation of results that are obtained both require a detailed knowledge of how these instruments work and the scientific principles that they rely on. This module teaches the theory and method behind archaeological geophysical prospection, and also develops practical skills in the use of magnetometry, resistivity, ground penetrating radar and magnetic susceptibiity surveying for archaeological applications. The module includes a compulsory one-week field school, held during the Easter vacation.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Undertake geophysical surveys using Resistivity, Magnetometry, Ground Penetrating Radar and magnetic susceptibility methods
- Produce archaeological interpretations of data, and write full reports on the findings of geophysical surveys
- Process and produce images of geophysical survey results
- Place your results within the context of map data using computer applications
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Produce a final report on a survey, together with recommendations for future assessment based on valued reasoning from the results of your work and your background knowledge of the techniques used and their implications
- Assess the nature and extent of particular sites or monuments within their landscape context, and calculate the most suitable survey method to discover more about the nature, dimensions and structure of a site
- Understand the basic theoretical and practical elements of geophysical survey in archaeology
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Ability to use specific types of geophysical survey equipment, and understand their application and limitations in the field.
- Ability to produce final survey plots and written interpretation to publication standard.
- Ability to recognise sites and monuments, their relationship to one another and their landscape context.
- Ability to use relevant computer software to process and publish survey results to publication standard.
- the basic theoretical concepts of geophysical survey techniques, and how these theories are applied practically in the field.
- current best practice in archaeological fieldwork.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use key geophysical survey equipment in an archaeological context
- Be able to interpret the archaeological significance of anomalies located in your survey results
- Use tapes or a total station to grid out a survey area
- Be capable of assessing the most appropriate method for survey of a site
Syllabus
The module is designed as an introduction to methods and practice of archaeological prospection, and aspects of field survey data processing and publication. You will learn the fundamental theory and methods of archaeological geophysics and be involved at a practical level with techniques of magnetometry, resistivity, Ground Penetrating Radar and magnetic susceptibility surveying. In addition you will be trained in use of a total station. The module will also include practical aspects of data downloading, processing and publication.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures
- Field survey practicals
- Computer practicals
- Tutorials where necessary
Learning activities include
- Practical sessions during lectures
- A one week intensive field survey during the Easter break
- Computer practicals and tutorials using specialist geophysics software
Innovative or special features of this module
Dedicated geophysics software for the module on workstations
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 20 |
Completion of assessment task | 40 |
Fieldwork | 40 |
Supervised time in studio/workshop | 10 |
Wider reading or practice | 20 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 20 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
Clark, A. J. (1986). Archaeological Geophysics in Britain. Geophysics, 51(7), pp. 1404-1413.
Schurr, M. R. (1997). Using the Concept of the Learning Curve to Increase the Productivity of Geophysical Surveys. Archaeological Prospection, 4, pp. 69-83.
Spoerry, P. (1992). The Archaeologist and Geoprospection. Archaeological Landscape, 18, pp. 115-119.
Gaffney, C. and Gater, J. (1993). Development of Remote Sensing Part II: Practice and method in the application of geophysical techniques in archaeology. Archaeological Resource Management in the U.K..
Textbooks
Clark, A. (1990). Seeing Beneath the Soil. London: Batsford.
Gaffney, C. and Gater, J. (2003). Revealing the Buried Past: Geophysics for Archaeologists. Stroud: Tempus.
Gaffney, C., Gater, J., Ovenden, S. (1991). The Use of Geophysical Survey Techniques in Archaeological Evaluations. Institute of Field Archaeologists.
Scollar, Tabbagh, Hesse, and Herzog (1990). Archaeological Prospecting and Remote Sensing. Cambridge: Cambridge University.
Bowden, M. (Ed.) (1999). Unravelling the Landscape.. Stroud: Tempus.
Telford, W. M. (1990). Applied Geophysics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
David, A (1995). Geophysical Survey in Archaeological Field Evaluation. English Heritage Research and Professional Services Guidelines 1.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback
Monitoring and feedback on work produced during lectures and practicals
Tuition, assessment and feedback on elements of practical survey during field week
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Blog
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Your tutor will comment on these two posts to give you some formative feedback. You may also wish to post thoughts on other aspects of your reading to generate discussion and comment, please feel free to do so.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 40% |
Field project | 60% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External