Introduction to biomolecules, invertebrates and plants

Module leader: Harry Kenward

This module is not running this year.

Aims

To introduce students to the use of preserved biomolecules, plant and invertebrate remains in the interpretation of past environments and human activity
To familiarise students with the range of material preserved in archaeological and natural deposits
To introduce the principles underlying the conversion of molecular data and species lists into archaeological interpretations

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module students should:

Be acquainted with the kinds of plant and invertebrate remains found under various preservation regimes in natural and archaeological deposits
Be able to recognise broad categories of remains
Understand the kind of information which can be obtained from various sorts of remains
Have a broad grasp of the problems of interpreting ancient plant and invertebrate assemblages, with an emphasis on the human context