Bones: matters of life and death

ARC00031M

Module leader: Prof. Terry O'Connor

Aims

This module provides a basis for further study in zooarchaeology, bioarchaeology or field archaeology by reviewing the chemistry and structure of bone, its organisation within the vertebrate skeleton, the deposition and decay of bone death assemblages, and sampling procedures used in zooarchaeology.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module students should:

  • be familiar with the chemistry and histology of bone
  • understand how those parameters behave during post-mortem transport, erosion and diagenesis
  • have been introduced to the principles of evolutionary anatomy in vertebrates
  • be familiar with sampling and recovery procedures used in zooarchaeology
  • understand the principles involved in safe lifting and curation of bones
 

Zooarchaeology practicals