Bioarchaeology

Module leader: Prof. Matthew Collins

Aims

This seminar series aims to provide detailed analysis of some of the current "hot" topics in bioarchaeology. Development of new biomolecular methods is currently opening up new sources of information and controversy about a wide range of archaeological issues across the whole prehistoric and historical time span of archaeological interest. Methods currently under active development and debate include analysis of modern and ancient DNA, stable isotope and trace-element analysis in human bone and analysis of lipids on ceramics and other artefacts. Currently topical issues include the evolution and dispersal of anatomically modern humans, the origins and spread of domestic animals and plants, reconstructions of human diet and disease, and the diagnosis of the functions of stone tools and pottery.

The most interesting issues are those where different scientific methods produce contradictory results or where the scientific results are in conflict with other sources of archaeological information or established preconceptions. Often the reliability of the scientific analyses depends on the quality of the primary data gathered in the field. The science itself often turns out to be based on untested assumptions or incomplete knowledge, and you should not presuppose that it is always the conventional archaeological data that are at fault. All of this makes for a lively and rapidly developing field of study with a growing number of case studies.

Whether you decide to choose stable isotopes and palaeodietary analysis or the most recent advances in research in ancient DNA, you will be expected to explore the ways in which science-based and archaeological investigations can be evaluated and integrated, to understand the current debates, and to assess critically the claims that are being made.

Learning outcomes

By completion of the module you should have demonstrated an ability to:

  • Pick out the key issues in your chosen topic, and structure the seminar
  • Independently research these issues, locating and synthesising relevant information
  • Identify and organise appropriate visual aids for the contributors
  • Chair a seminar, bringing out the best in the contributors
  • Provide an introduction, summaries and conclusion to a seminar
  • Be aware of the general success of the seminar in the extent to which all participants have gained knowledge and understanding
  • Provide a written summary of a seminar

Employability

In this module you will develop key skills in presentation and chairing which should be of immense value in your future careers:
  • Self management: in this module you need to develop the ability to take initiative and you will need the will to succeed! There will be a lot of self management required whilst you plan your topic through the spring term- you should be spending about 3-4 days a week on this module and balancing this with finalising your dissertation (and any other commitments)
  • Communication: communication skills are vital and they will be assessed- through the previous 2 years you will should have practised and developed these skills in order to present clear and succinct PowerPoints. Your writing skills will be tested further in your self assessment document. Most importantly, you will have the chance to chair a seminar and you will need to be able to judge when to listen to your team mates, and how to encourage and stimulate debate, particularly from quieter members of the group
  • Team working: it is essential you can bring the team together to tackle your topic in depth and to create a stimulating and enlightening debate. It may be a wise move to set up your own study groups.
  • Problem solving: you will be faced with a lot of reading and it is essential that you develop the skills for retrieving information from relevant sources as well as critical evaluation
  • Creativity and innovation: this module enables you to be creative in your ideas of what topic to develop and how you plan to run the seminar
  • World of work awareness: this module will set you up for similar situations in the world of work where you might need to chair a meeting and will have to keep the team to the point and to time- you should understand the pressures of such meetings and think about ways of coping with them
  • Social, cultural and global awareness: many of you will be considering the international dimensions of your chosen subject, and in many cases you might want to think about the diversity of issues from other cultures and countries, as well as ethical issues related to your research
  • Application of IT: you will be tested on your effective use of PowerPoint as well as word processsing skills. You will also be expected to use the internet effectively with your research
 
DNA