Department of Archaeology
University of York

Programme Specification

1 Programme title(s) covered by this specification MSc in Biological Archaeology

2 Name(s) of final award(s) MSc in Biological Archaeology

3 Awarding body/institution University of York

4 Teaching institution (if different) N/A

5 UCAS code (where relevant) N/A

6 Criteria for admission to the programme A good honours degree (upper second or first) or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution in archaeology, anthropology, biology or related fields, or, in the case of mature students who might not have conventional qualifications, appropriate relevant experience.

7 Length and status of programme and mode of study 1 year (full-time); 2-3 years (part-time).

8 Proposed starting date (month and year; for new programmes only) N/A

9 Relevant subject benchmark statement(s) N/A

10 Accreditation (if applicable) N/A

11 Educational aims of the programme
The programme aims to give graduates from both sciences and arts backgrounds an introduction to biological archaeology, focusing on the preservation and identification of organic remains and the application of this information to examine past human environments, subsistence and economy. It will offer hands-on practical (including field) experience in the study of a wide range of bioarchaeological materials.

12 Programme structure
The programme contains the following elements:

Four skills modules: 5 credits each (2 in autumn, 2 in spring terms, 4 weeks each module), selected from range suggested by the Director of Studies.

Two compulsory modules of 20 credits each:

Bioarchaeology, ecofacts and figures (Autumn term)
Bioarchaeology data analysis: not just digging up plants and animals (Spring term)

 Two option modules of 20 credits each from those offered by cognate programmes. It is recommended that the choice is made from the following options, but other options will be considered with the permission of the Director of Studies:

Autumn:

possible alternatives include Spring: possible alternatives include
The dissertation (80 credits): workshops and supervised independent study undertaken during the summer term and summer vacation. Dissertation workshops will be given through the summer term. Students will also have to give a lecture, usually on their dissertation topic, which will contribute to the dissertation mark. Part time structure: Students normally complete the first and second term taught courses in the first year and the dissertation in the second year, or one term per year over three years.

13 Intended learning outcomes, distinguishing those which are assessed, in terms of: (a) knowledge
  1. be able to identify common organic remains in the archaeological record;
  2. through practical classes and short collaborative projects, including work on excavations, have gained awareness of how organic remains are extracted prepared, analyzed and interpreted;
  3. by reviewing and assessing published work, have gained an awareness of the use of biological remains to aid interpretation of hunter-gatherer and agrarian sites, and in understanding socially more complex societies (including urban ones).
(b) understanding
  1. have developed an awareness of the scope of bioarchaeology;
  2. have become aware of the practicalities, and problems, of interpreting bioarchaeological remains;
  3. have an understanding of the processes of decay and diagenesis of different types of biological remains.
(c) skills (discipline-related and transferable)
  1. ability to plan, design and undertake a piece of independent research;
  2. ability to gather and organise information and arguments in a critical and independent manner;
  3. develop presentational skills through the delivery of a short lecture on any topic in biological archaeology.
(d) experience and other attributes
  1. Participated in seminar discussions;
  2. Undertaken seminar and lecture presentation;
  3. Guided research;
  4. Participation in research seminar and visiting speakers programmes;
  5. Involvement in Graduate School Board.
Items listed under (d) are not subject to assessment.

14 Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to achieve and demonstrate the learning outcomes
The research skills, training and theory modules are delivered by lectures, workshops and seminars. They will be assessed through short projects or essays and will be awarded a pass/fail. Students must pass all 4 research skills modules.

All compulsory and optional modules are delivered through seminars, lectures and/or practical or field exercises. For each module there will be a piece of formative assessment half way through the term and each module is assessed by a summative essay or project at the end of term and is worth 10%.

Learning outcomes achieved: (a) 1-3; (b) 1-2; (c) 2.

The Dissertation (50%) is supported by small group workshops in the summer term in which students present and discuss the progress of their work and learn to respond constructively to their peers. The sessions involve information sharing, critical evaluation, problem solving and team work. Students also receive individual supervision with their supervisor. The dissertation should be based on original research and is 15,000-20,000 words in length.

Learning outcome: (c) 1 (although all other learning experiences contribute to a successful dissertation).

15 Variations and exceptions
Students registered for the MSc in Biological Archaeology, may transfer their registration to a nine-month Diploma course. Students cannot register initially for the Diploma route, but may transfer to it, or be recommended by the Graduate School Board to transfer to it, either after the first term or, more usually, after the second term. Students are thus expected to follow the taught modules designated for the MA/MSc programme for which they initially registered, but to take a divergent path in the third term. In order to be awarded a Diploma (120 credits), students must complete the autumn and spring terms and take the Lecture module in the summer term (20 credits) which is assessed by a lecture and an extended essay.
By completion of the programme, students following the Diploma route should have: 16 Quality and standards
Methods of monitoring teaching standards include: supervisions, evaluation forms, Graduate School Board and Board of Studies representation, Peer Observation of Teaching, External Examination.

Departments carry out an annual documented review of all taught programmes, including consideration of student feedback and the reports of external examiners, reporting to the Teaching Committee. Teaching Committee is implementing a process of periodic review on a six-yearly cycle, which will complement its existing scheme of departmental visits to facilitate the exchange of views on the planning, organisation and development of teaching, and the sharing of good practice.

17 Date on which this programme specification written or revised October 27, 2008

18 Other sources of information relating to this programme specification
This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of this programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expect to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information and guidance concerning administration and assessment can be found in the Departments postgraduate web pages (http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/arch/gsp/internal.htm).