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Practical Skills: Biomolecular Archaeology - ARC00028I

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  • Department: Archaeology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Sophy Charlton
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

Bioarchaeology is one of the most exciting areas of archaeological science and biomolecules (e.g. DNA, proteins, lipids) are at the forefront of this research. This module provides hands-on practical experience in laboratory work, involving the collection, analysis and interpretation of biomolecular data (stable isotopes, ZooMS, lipids) to address archaeological questions.

Related modules

A directed option - students must pick a Practical Skills module and have a choice of which to take (one in Semester 1)

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

The Practical Skills modules seek to introduce you to a range of skills in various diverse areas of archaeological practice and are designed to allow you to gain experience in a 'hands-on' manner. Specifically, this module introduces students to a range of techniques and skills involving the collection, analysis and interpretation of biomolecular data.

This module aims to:

  • introduce the intellectual context and working methods of the study of biomolecules from archaeological material
  • provide an introduction to good laboratory practice and laboratory experience in collagen extraction for stable isotope analysis and ZooMS
  • introduce how we analyse and interpret results from stable isotope analysis, ZooMS and organic residue analysis

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an awareness of the research questions that might be addressed by studying ancient biomolecules
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) and how to compose Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
  • Appreciate the importance of consistency, time-keeping, and good record-keeping in laboratory work
  • Deploy accurately the practical abilities required to carry out a range of analytical techniques in the laboratory
  • Apply the methods and techniques they have learned to analyse biomolecular data

Module content

In this module, students will learn about multiple biomolecular techniques including stable isotope analysis, ZooMS (proteins), and organic residue analysis. In a mix of lectures, seminar workshops and practical sessions in the wet chemistry laboratory and computer laboratory, students will be introduced to common biomolecular techniques used in archaeology, from sampling through to data analysis and interpretation. Laboratory sessions will concentrate on collagen extraction for both isotopic and proteomic analysis, with a focus on good laboratory practice (GLP) and following standard operating procedures (SOP). This module will give students a good basis for working in a professional/research laboratory.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Laboratory report		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Laboratory report		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Formative: written feedback from module leaders

Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy

Indicative reading

Craig, O.E., Saul, H., Spiteri, C. (2020) “Residue Analysis,” in Richards, M.P. and Britton, K. (eds) Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 70-98.

Richards, M.P. (2020) “Isotope Analysis for Diet Studies,” in Richards, M.P. and Britton, K. (eds) Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp.125-144.

Hendy, J., van Doorn, N. and Collins, M. (2020) “Proteomics,” in Richards, M.P. and Britton, K. (eds) Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 35–69.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.