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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Seminars		10
Tutorials		2
Demonstration		2
Practicals classes and workshops		2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		64
Wider reading (directed)		20
Preparation for presentations		10
Preparation for seminars		20
Essay preparation		60
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/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.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
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:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 22 September 2022