Biomolecular Laboratory Techniques - ARC00143M
- Department: Archaeology
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2026-27
Module summary
In this module, students will undertake two different biomolecular
lab projects utilising techniques commonly applied to archaeological
material (e.g., DNA, proteins, isotopes, lipids). You will be provided
with a suitable set of materials on which to work, with the necessary
laboratory facilities and reference materials, and with expert
guidance from relevant staff. Projects will change each year.
Students will produce a laboratory report based on one of the
two lab projects (their choice). You will be introduced to good
laboratory practice, health and safety, accurate recording and
sampling strategies and will gain transferable laboratory skills.
Students will generate biomolecular data and be introduced to
FAIR data principles. You will be trained in data analysis and
visualisation appropriate to each technique, including statistical testing.
Related modules
Pre-requisite modules
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2026-27 |
Module aims
This module aims to:
- Train students in relevant and transferable laboratory practices to a professional level
- Provide students with experience in data analysis and interpretation applicable to ancient biomolecules in the form of a laboratory report
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module the students should:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of good laboratory practice including health and safety
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of how established research techniques are used to create and interpret knowledge through analysis of materials relevant to the study of ancient biomolecules
- Compile a laboratory report that meets accepted standards
Module content
This module is based on students’ practical work, with staff providing initial training and guidance in practical laboratory skills. In the opening sessions, you will be inducted in the laboratory environment and introduced to good laboratory practice, accurate recording in the laboratory and a range of sampling strategies appropriate to each technique. In Weeks 3-6, you will undertake the first laboratory mini project, receiving training from technical and specialist academic staff on laboratory work relevant to the study of one category of ancient biomolecules (DNA, proteins, lipids, isotopes) and will be introduced to how to analyse the data produced. In weeks 7-10, you will undertake a second project in another biomolecular specialism. Finally, you will choose one of these projects to write up as a full laboratory report for the summative, where you will interrogate and interpret your data, learn relevant data visualisation and statistical methods, and good practices for laboratory report writing, as well as have the chance to discuss these aspects with staff and fellow students.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Module feedback
Formative: oral feedback from module leaders
Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy
Indicative reading
- Brown, T. A. (2023). Archaeogenetics. Handbook of Archaeological Sciences, Wiley., 607–612. Available at: doi:10.1002/9781119592112.part5.
- Craig, O. E., Saul, H. and Spiteri, C. (2019). Residue Analysis. In: Archaeological Science. Cambridge University Press. pp. 70–98.
- Hendy, J. (2023). Archaeological Proteomics. Handbook of Archaeological Sciences, Wiley., 501–510. Available at: doi:10.1002/9781119592112.ch24.
- O’Connell, T. C. (2023). Palaeodiet Through Stable Isotope Analysis. Handbook of Archaeological Sciences, Wiley., 437–452. Available at: doi:10.1002/9781119592112.ch21.