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Discovering the Past with Molecular Science

Module description

This module focuses on the application of key scientific techniques in archaeological research, including the use of stable and radioactive isotopes, residue analysis and archaeogenetics. During the past 30 years these cutting edge techniques have transformed our understanding of the past, particularly in areas of dating, climate reconstruction, and diet and migration, and now constitute an essential part of the toolkit available to archaeologists for researching the past. Assuming no prior knowledge, this module aims to provide you with a solid foundational knowledge of the specific techniques and an understanding of their applications in archaeological research. Case study examples from a wide range of time periods and geographic locations will be used to illustrate the range of questions these techniques can be used to address.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to introduce you from first principles to the use of stable and radioactive isotopes, residue analysis and genetics in archaeological research. No prior knowledge of the techniques involved will be assumed, and the course will provide a foundational knowledge of the core scientific principles that underpin their application in archaeology. You will be introduced to a range of case study examples of the application of each technique covering a range of time periods and geographic locations. By the end of the course you will be able to interpret, assess and critique published datasets generated using these techniques.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Know and have a critical understanding of the use of stable and radioactive isotopes, residues and genetics in archaeological research
• 2. Demonstrate ability to interpret scientific datasets and the implications for understanding the archaeological record
• 3. Demonstrate wide-ranging knowledge of examples of the application of techniques presented

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Critically evaluate contribution of archaeological science to current debates

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Understand the key statistical methods for analysing data
• 6. Present data and interpretation to peers in seminar/workshop settings
• 7. Critically assess and synthesise data from qualitative and quantitative sources
• 8. Write clearly and concisely in good scientific English

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Radioactive and stable isotopes and their uses in archaeological research
• Isotopes and diet
• Isotopes and palaeoclimate
• Isotopes and migration
• Genetics and ancient DNA
• Lipid and protein residues analysis

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Evershed, R.P. (2008) Organic residue analysis in archaeology: the archaeological biomarker revolution. Archaeometry 50(6), 895–924.
• Hofreiter, M., Collins, M. and Stewart, J. R. (2012). Ancient biomolecules in Quaternary palaeoecology. Quaternary Science Reviews 33(Supplement C): 1-13.
• Leng, M.J. (ed.) (2006) Isotopes in Palaeoenvironmental Research. Dordrecht: Springer.
• López Varela, S. L. (ed.)(2018). The encyclopedia of Archaeological Science. JohnWiley & Sons, Inc. [online only https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781119188230] Choose Bioarchaeology and browse to relevant content.
• Matisoo-Smith, E. and Horsburgh, K. A. (2012). DNA for archaeologists. London, Taylor & Francis.
• Outram, A. and Bogaard, A. (2019). Subsistence and society in Prehistory: new directions in economic archaeology. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
• Pollard, M., Batt, C., Stern, B. and Young, S.M.M. (2007) Analytical chemistry in archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=11098

Key words search

Archaeology, science, isotopes, residues