AR2SBI-Bioarchaeology

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Aleks Pluskowski
Email: a.g.pluskowski@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will introduce you to the key methods employed in the examination of human remains from archaeological sites and utilise skeletal collections held by the Department of Archaeology. You will also be taught to identify, side and in the case of animal bone, zone and quantify fragments commonly encountered during an archaeological excavation, and post-excavation analysis. The module will also introduce the principles of biomolecular (isotope and DNA) analysis of human and faunal skeletal remains.

Aims:

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that you will be able to:

• Evaluate the nature and quality of skeletal evidence from a range of species


• Identify fragments of human and non-human bone from archaeological contexts


• Record and quantify non-human animal bone


• Carry out an independent assessment of age, sex and stature on adult human skeletal remains, and age on non-human skeletal remains


• Demonst rate understanding of the principles of biomolecular analysis and data interpretation.

Additional outcomes:

• Understand the importance of bioarcheology in archaeological practice

Outline content:

This module will cover the principles of skeletal bioarchaeology including (1) the aims of skeletal bioarchaeology and its place in modern archaeology; (2) identify, siding, describing and recording of human and non-human skeletal remains; (3) application of general osteological techniques (sexing, ageing, stature) to human skeletal remains; (4) applications of zoning and ageing faunal remains (5) key concepts of biomolecular (isotope and DNA) analysis of skeletal remains.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught in a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions and practical exercises with opportunities for interaction and discussions.