Chronology and radiocarbon dating is foundational to much archaeological thought and practice, yet how much time do we really spend thinking and learning about this crucial method? This module will look at the principles and science behind radiocarbon dating, before examining how to produce robust understandings of chronology. We will explore the impact the Bayesian revolution has had on Archaeology and you will get the chance to learn the basic methodology at your own pace. In the assessment you will design your own radiocarbon dating project, something that you may well do either during the course of a PhD or in commercial excavation.
Occurrence | Teaching cycle |
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A | Spring Term 2022-23 |
By engaging with radiocarbon chronologies, students will:
Understand the principles of radiocarbon dating and sample selection from archaeological material
Become familiar with interpretation and calibration of single and multiple radiocarbon dates
Understand the basic principles of Bayesian modelling and how it is applied in archaeological contexts
Be able to develop a simple simulated Bayesian model using Oxcal calibration software.
By the end of the module the students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles behind radiocarbon dating
Be able to select samples for radiocarbon dating based on best practice and knowledge of different forms of archaeological stratigraphies
Be able to calibrate radiocarbon dates
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and limitations of Bayesian modelling of radiocarbon dates
Be able to perform a simple simulation in Oxcal
Evaluate basic interpretations of radiocarbon chronologies and understand the difference between summed probability, Bayesian modelling and “wiggle matching”
The module will begin with exploring the history of C14 dating and its application in Archaeology. After learning about sample selection and the analytical process, we will debate how C14 dating can be applied to answering different research questions. Then the course will take a closer examination of calibration, error ranges, offsets and the reservoir effect. Finally, we will explore the impact of the Bayesian modelling on Archaeology. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to learn the basic principles of calibration and Bayesian modelling. The assessment will take the form of a funding application to the National Radiocarbon facility, giving you a chance to apply the knowledge gained in a setting you are very likely to carry out, both in research and the commercial sector.
Task | Length | % of module mark |
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Essay/coursework Funding application - 1500 words |
N/A | 100 |
Pass/fail
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Funding application - 1500 words |
N/A | 100 |
Feedback will be provided within 4 weeks
Bayliss, A. 2009. Rolling out revolution: using radiocarbon dating in archaeology. Radiocarbon 51, 123-147.
Bronk Ramsey, C. 1995. Radiocarbon calibration and analysis of stratigraphy: the OxCal program. Radiocarbon 37, 425-430.
Bronk Ramsey, C. 2009. Bayesian analysis of radiocarbon dates. Radiocarbon 51, 337-360.