ARA1026 : Introduction to Archaeological Science
ARA1026 : Introduction to Archaeological Science
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Professor Andrea Dolfini
- Lecturer: Dr Francesco Carrer, Dr Eric Tourigny, Professor Lisa-Marie Shillito, Dr Eline Van Asperen, Dr Chloe Duckworth
- Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
Archaeological Science is the application of scientific methods to the study of the human past. In the last few decades, archaeologists have deployed a wide range of scientific methods to address issues of human evolution, chronology, climate, the environment, health, diet, technology, mobility, the manufacture and exchange of goods, and many, many more. The module will introduce some of the main problems that archaeologists can address using scientific methods of enquiry. It will also show how traditional and scientific methods can work together to enhance our understanding of the past. Case studies ranging from prehistory to historical times, small-group laboratory practicals, and tutorials will help you familiarise with this fast-growing branch of archaeology. Given its introductory nature, the module does not require any background in science.
The module's aims are:
- To introduce the main scientific methods used today in archaeology (except field methods and remote sensing)
- To enable students to place archaeological science within the wider field of archaeology
- To foster an understanding of science as an essential tool for addressing social problems in archaeology
- To encourage students to develop an area of interest in specific aspects of archaeological science
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics may include:
- Relative and absolute dating methods
- Environmental archaeology: plants and people
- Geoarchaeology and sedimentology
- Zooarchaeology
- Bioarchaeology
- Biomolecular archaeology
- Mobility and exchange studies (people and artefacts)
- Ancient technologies and materials science
- Statistical applications to archaeology
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
In successfully completing the course, students will be able to:
- Identify the main archaeological questions that can be addressed through scientific methods
- Identify the main scientific methods employed today in archaeology and appraise their most common applications
- Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of the scientific methods examined during the module
Intended Skill Outcomes
- Comprehending and appropriately using scientific terminology in archaeology
- Introducing lab H&S and code of conduct
- Enhancing students' critical thinking and team working through lab practicals and the formative assignments
- Enhancing students' critical thinking, writing skills, and presentation skills through summative assignments
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 70 | 1:00 | 70:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 14 | 1:00 | 14:00 | PIP lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 7 | 2:00 | 14:00 | PIP 2h lab practicals |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | PIP 1h lab practicals |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Weekly reading, revision quizzes and other supplementary learning material |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | PIP assignment preparation tutorials and surgeries |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 75 | 1:00 | 75:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
- Lectures provide an introduction to the archaeological problems and scientific methods discussed through the module.
- 1h and 2h laboratory practicals provide hands-on opportunities to learn and practice the scientific methods introduced in the lectures.
- Workshops (tutorials) provide assignment preparation support and structured Q&A time.
- Structured guided learning including weekly reading, videos, and revision quizzes provide further Canvas-based learning opportunities to students.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 50 | Inspera exam. Split into two parts: a multiple choice quiz and two open answer questions (up to 500 words for each question). |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poster | 2 | M | 50 | Original poster presenting a dating method of choice, equivalent to roughly 1000 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | Weekly Canvas revision quizzes |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
- The poster evaluates students' understanding of scientific dating methods, critical thinking, presentation skills, and an ability to discuss archaeological science using appropriate specialist terminology.
- The Digital Exam evaluates students' knowledge and understanding of all other main subjects and scientific methods covered by the module.
- Weekly formative Canvas quizzes provide opportunities to revise the topics introduced in the classroom/lab and prepare for the digital exam.
Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending the whole academic year or semester 2 are required to complete the standard assessment as set out in the MOF under all circumstances.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ARA1026's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- ARA1026's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Recommended textbook: C. Renfrew, P. Bahn & E. De Marrais, 2024. Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice, 9th edition. London: Thames & Hudson.
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