Molecular Archaeology

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Critically assess scientific data, techniques and your application to the archaeological record.
• Handling, integration and evaluation of data sets of multi-disciplinary origin.
• Integration of qualitative and quantitative data into coherent presentations and reports.
• Develop advanced skills in data analysis and interpretation.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The role of isotopes in understanding mobility and migration in human and animal populations.
• The application of lipid and other molecular analysis in archaeology
• The significance of isotopic analysis for dietary reconstruction
• The application of DNA techniques for archaeological research.
• Current debates within archaeological science.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Critically assess and synthesise data from a combination of qualitative and quantitative sources
• Present the results of both qualitative and quantitative data in a publishable format.

This module will advance your knowledge of molecular approaches within archaeology. The module content includes paleodietary reconstruction using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes; migration studies using strontium and oxygen isotopes; lipid analysis, and ancient DNA.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Laboratory Practicals
• Field trips to key archaeological laboratories (e.g. NOCS).
• Seminars

Learning activities include:

• Integrated problem orientated assessment via seminar discussions, laboratory sessions, student presentations and reports.
• Thought exercises – you will be given specific archaeological problems and datasets to consider.

Innovative or special features of this module:

• Integrated industry-based and academic learning environment
• Trips to leading laboratories

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Brown, T. and K. Brown (2011). Biomolecular archaeology: an introduction (sections 4, 6, 12, and 13). Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Brothwell, D.R. and Pollard, A.M. (2001). Handbook of Archaeological Sciences. Chichester: John Wiley.

Marshner, H.D.G. & Chippendale, C. (2005). Handbook of Archaeological Methods Vols 1 and 2. Lanham: Altamira Press.

Assessment strategy

Formative

This module has been designed around providing substantial amounts of formative feedback within the classroom environment. This will be delivered via in-class discussion based around case studies.

The summative assessment for this module is split in two. The first part is an assessed presentation designed to assess your ability to present scientific data and use it to evidence arguments.

The second assessment is an essay that takes the form of a scientific journal article using data collected in class practicals. It is designed to assess your ability to synthesize and present scientific data in an archaeological context using an an appropriately scientific format, and to assess your knowledge of the wider field of Molecular Archaeological Science.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External