ARCH20600 Archaeological Science

Academic Year 2020/2021

Archaeology is a subject that uses techniques and approaches from many other disciplines. In recent years developments in scientific techniques have opened up exciting possibilities and allowed us to start to approach questions that even a few years ago would have seemed impossible. As an archaeologist understanding what these approaches can bring to the table is an important part of the discipline. Archaeological Science is a wide topic that would be impossible to cover in all of its details in a single 5 credit module. Consequently, the module provides a broad overview of the range of approaches and then provides a more detailed look at how some of these are applied through targeted case studies and themes. These are chosen to show the way in which scientific methods and thinking have added to our understanding of the past. Even if you have no scientific background you will learn how to appreciate a scientific way of thinking and how it applies to archaeology. The module will also help you to confidently read and critique publications, and media, that reply on scientific research.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

- Develop a critical understanding of the role of archaeological science
- Appreciate what it means to think scientifically
- Gain a critical understanding of the application of scientific techniques within the context of archaeology and heritage
- Gain a practical understanding of how some scientific methods are applied to archaeological problems
- Be able to confidently read archaeological science publications and understand the implications of the research

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

10

Specified Learning Activities

35

Autonomous Student Learning

45

Online Learning

10

Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module uses a combination of online materials, case studies and class based sessions. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ARCH10110 - Intro Archaeological Science


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Popular explanation of a scientific technique and its contribution to our understanding of the past (750 - 1000 words) Week 9 n/a Graded No

30

Project: Critical review of the application of scientific techniques to an archaeological problem (3000 - 3500 words) Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

70


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

UCD School of Archaeology use standard feedback sheets for all modules. Your feedback is provided on this form - the form also contains feed forward details - which will help you think about how you would improve your approach in future assignments. The two assignments are designed to work together - you will be choosing a project for which you will first have to provide a popular summary. The summary will be submitted in week 8 - and you will have an opportunity to gain peer feedback in class before formal submission

Name Role
Dr Stephen Davis Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Helen Lewis Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Meriel McClatchie Lecturer / Co-Lecturer