Practical Skills: Biomolecular Archaeology - ARC00028I
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 2025-26 |
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.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 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.