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: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Gundula Müldner
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 qu estions


• 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.