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ARMSTD-Science and the Dead
Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3
Module Convenor: Dr Gundula M£ldner
Email: g.h.mueldner@reading.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
Understanding of taphonomy and biomolecular methods which are now being routinely applied in burial archaeology are essential for any archaeologist specialising in the study of human remains. This module was designed for graduate students with an interest in the scientific analysis of human remains to provide them with an understanding of the key biomolecular methods that are currently employed by modern archaeology to reconstruct the living from the dead.
Aims:
Focussing on principles rather than scientific detail, this module aims to provide an understanding of human taphonomy, to introduce the most widely used methods in the scientific analysis of human remains (isotopes, elemental analysis, ancient proteins and DNA) and to convey an understanding of the advantages and drawbacks of each approach to graduate students in archaeology.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By completion of this module, the students should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of human taphonomy in different environments.
- Explain the principles and methodological framework of key approaches to the chemical analysis of human remains for archaeology
- Demonstrate an awareness of potential problems associated with each method
- Assess the relevance of the findings with regards to archaeological research questions
- Evaluate academic papers published in the field
- Prepare appropriate graphs and conduct basic analyses of isotope data
- Organise and present information as well as develop an argument orally and in writing.
Additional outcomes:
This module aims to improve students' problem-solving and analytical skills by encouraging critical appraisal of methods and current literature. The assessments will enhance research skills in particular by requiring the independent use of online databases to locate recent scientific publications. Students will also improve their numeracy and communication skills through seminar discussions and assessments.
Outline content:
Human taphonomy
Bone Chemistry, Degradation and Preservation
Isotope and Elemental Analysis of Human Remains for Diet and Migration
Analysis of ancient proteins
Analysis of ancient DNA
Current Methodological Debates
Global context:
The module will introduce methods and approaches which are current in human osteoarchaeology around the world. Examples and case-studies will be drawn from multiple continents and cultures.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
A combination of lectures, seminar discussions and student presentations.
Ìý | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
Lectures | 10 | ||
Seminars | 10 | ||
Tutorials | 2 | ||
Demonstration | 2 | ||
Practicals classes and workshops | 2 | ||
Guided independent study: | Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (independent) | 64 | ||
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (directed) | 20 | ||
Ìý Ìý Preparation for presentations | 10 | ||
Ìý Ìý Preparation for seminars | 20 | ||
Ìý Ìý Essay preparation | 60 | ||
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
Total hours by term | 0 | 200 | 0 |
Ìý | Ìý | Ìý | Ìý |
Total hours for module | 200 |
Method | Percentage |
Written assignment including essay | 90 |
Oral assessment and presentation | 10 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Essay (c. 2,500 words), 50%
Report (c. 2000 words), 40%
Presentation, 10%
Submission of coursework and presentations on dates set by the Department
Formative assessment methods:
Weekly discussions of set reading will improve and test student understanding.
Penalties for late submission:
The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:
- where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
- where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Assessment requirements for a pass:
A module average of 50% overall.
Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission on dates set by the Department.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:Ìý None
2) Specialist equipment or materials:Ìý None
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:Ìý None
4) Printing and binding:Ìý None
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:Ìý None
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:Ìý None
Last updated: 22 September 2022
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.