Archaeology BSc (Hons)

Introduction to Archaeological Methods

To provide an introductory 'hands on' approach to the fundamental principles of archaeological practice, and

their relevance to archaeological, forensic and heritage studies. Focusing on the nature of the archaeological record and developing essential skills in reasoning with archaeological data, in the processes and methodologies of site identification, excavation and interpretation, and the comprehension of why such skills are critical to the various disciplines.

Biological Anthropology: From Human Evolution To Forensic Anthropology

This module provides fundamental base knowlege by introducing the subject of biological anthropology, including human evolution, and the analysis of archaeological and modern human skeletal remains in a broad range of contexts (Forensic and Archaeological).

British Archaeology and Heritage

To provide students with an understanding of the archaeology and heritage of the British Isles from the Palaeolithic to the Norman conquest. The nature of the published source material will be discussed, and the structure of the archaeological profession will be explored. The module also aims to help students develop some of the specific skills required for University study. In particular, the module will focus on skills in written and oral communication; the use of library and computer networks; and the use of computers for data handling.

Scientific Frameworks

This module is intended to give students an introduction to scientific principles and an understanding of the relevance of a range of applications of scientific techniques within archaeology and forensic anthropology.

Field Recording Skills

The cornerstone of any scientifically based field discipline, be it archaeology, heritage or crime scene investigation, is based on observation of the material present, identification of what is significant and then the collection of field data/evidence, its analysis and presentation. This module focuses on these key skills which are critical to any form of investigation. This module will focus on how to identify evidence in the field, record it effectively and present it to a non-specialist audience in a clear and effective manner.

Themes in World Archaeology & Heritage

The module provides a global perspective of the past and contemporary themes in archaeological and heritage studies around the world. The module will develop knowledge and understanding of large global research themes, historical discipline foundations and contemporary professional developments.

Archaeological Practice

Fieldwork is a key component in collecting primary evidence in archaeology, heritage and crime scene investigations. This module aims to provide students with direct practical experience across a range of archaeological, heritage and forensic field techniques and processes within the context of a practical project. Viewed as an intensive field course it is equivalent to 20 credit laboratory/practical experience in other disciplines.

Interpreting The Past

The module provides the student with an understanding of key developments in archaeological theory, and the crucial role of theory in archaeological interpretation, including an understanding of how theory informs research design, method and the construction of archaeological knowledge. Students will also consider the role that archaeology plays in informing contemporary society, including its socio-political impact.

Understanding Artefacts and Ecofacts

To provide an understanding of the potential of artefacts for addressing fundamental questions in archaeology. To allow students to identify, select and differentiate between different methods of recording and illustrating (for example line drawing versus 3D scanning) different types of artefact. To allow students to select and use post-excavation strategies for recording, conservation and long-term of storage of artefacts. To provide students with the experience to interpret basic summary data concerning artefacts, which may include typologies, post-excavation assemblage reports, and scientific analytical data. To provide the theoretical framework and practical experience for working with assemblages of artefacts in order to answer broader archaeological questions, such as issues of production, consumption, trade and exchange, and identity.

Prehistoric Societies

The aims of the module are to examine the nature of prehistoric societies in the Old World through their material remains and to understand the potential and limitations of archaeological evidence in the reconstruction of the social, cultural and economic dimensions of non-literate communities.

Heritage Management with GIS

Heritage Management with GIS aims to provide an effective overview to current policies, legal requirements, and actions in managing cultural heritage within the UK. This will be combined with a practical introduction to Geographic Information Systems, detailing how they can be used to aid cultural heritage management practices.

Archaeologies of Transformation and Migration

The aim of the module is to explore how human mobility and cultural transformation are understood through archaeological evidence, using diverse case studies and modern scientific techniques to challenge conventional notions of fixed identities and unitary ethnic groups.

Placement

To provide the student with relevant experience of the workplace in an environment appropriate to their course of study, and acquire experience of real-world practical tasks, in order to develop better time-management skills; put their academic learning into a practical context; to develop and exercise a broad range of skills including specialist technical problem solving, communication and management skills; and to gain experience of careers relevant to their course of study.

Study Abroad Experience

To give students first-hand experience of studying in an overseas environment and understand different cultural issues and academic discussions and practice relevant to the student's chosen degree.

Archaeology and Heritage in Contemporary Society

Archaeology and Heritage in Contemporary Society aims to embed skills of critical evaluation in examining the role of archaeology and heritage today. It will consolidate themes already explored in earlier modules and prepare students for communicating the value of archaeology and heritage in a changing and global world.

Bones, Bodies And Burials

This module explores how contextual (grave) data, skeletal data and theoretical approaches can enhance our understanding of past societies, providing students with an understanding of human osteoarchaeology and funerary archaeology.

Landscapes, Climate And Society

Landscapes, Climate and Societies aims to provide an understanding of the variety of techniques available to the archaeologist to study landscapes and environments. The relevance of techniques to the reconstruction of past environments will be highlighted, with the ultimate aim in landscape and environmental reconstruction being to understand past societies. The module will demonstrate the benefit of inter-disciplinary research within archaeological research projects. Climate change is a contributing factor to contemporary global challenges, and the module aims to instil an understanding of the impact of climate change, and anthropogenic environmental changes, on past societies and their landscapes.

Dissertation

The module aims to develop students' abilities in independent research, providing them with the opportunity to demonstrate and enhance skills and knowledge acquired over the course of their degree programme through their application to a concentrated research project in a subject of the student's own choice.

Dating, Diet and Identity

The aim of the module is to explore the role of scientific methods in addressing key areas of study of the past. What has been achieved? How do we evaluate the archaeological and forensic importance of the findings? What challenges remain and how might they be addressed? The module will focus on the themes of dating, diet and identity, areas with significant staff expertise.

Introduction to Archaeological Methods

To provide an introductory 'hands on' approach to the fundamental principles of archaeological practice, and

their relevance to archaeological, forensic and heritage studies. Focusing on the nature of the archaeological record and developing essential skills in reasoning with archaeological data, in the processes and methodologies of site identification, excavation and interpretation, and the comprehension of why such skills are critical to the various disciplines.

Biological Anthropology: From Human Evolution To Forensic Anthropology

This module provides fundamental base knowlege by introducing the subject of biological anthropology, including human evolution, and the analysis of archaeological and modern human skeletal remains in a broad range of contexts (Forensic and Archaeological).

British Archaeology and Heritage

To provide students with an understanding of the archaeology and heritage of the British Isles from the Palaeolithic to the Norman conquest. The nature of the published source material will be discussed, and the structure of the archaeological profession will be explored. The module also aims to help students develop some of the specific skills required for University study. In particular, the module will focus on skills in written and oral communication; the use of library and computer networks; and the use of computers for data handling.

Scientific Frameworks

This module is intended to give students an introduction to scientific principles and an understanding of the relevance of a range of applications of scientific techniques within archaeology and forensic anthropology.

Field Recording Skills

The cornerstone of any scientifically based field discipline, be it archaeology, heritage or crime scene investigation, is based on observation of the material present, identification of what is significant and then the collection of field data/evidence, its analysis and presentation. This module focuses on these key skills which are critical to any form of investigation. This module will focus on how to identify evidence in the field, record it effectively and present it to a non-specialist audience in a clear and effective manner.

Themes in World Archaeology & Heritage

The module provides a global perspective of the past and contemporary themes in archaeological and heritage studies around the world. The module will develop knowledge and understanding of large global research themes, historical discipline foundations and contemporary professional developments.

Archaeological Practice

Fieldwork is a key component in collecting primary evidence in archaeology, heritage and crime scene investigations. This module aims to provide students with direct practical experience across a range of archaeological, heritage and forensic field techniques and processes within the context of a practical project. Viewed as an intensive field course it is equivalent to 20 credit laboratory/practical experience in other disciplines.

Interpreting The Past

The module provides the student with an understanding of key developments in archaeological theory, and the crucial role of theory in archaeological interpretation, including an understanding of how theory informs research design, method and the construction of archaeological knowledge. Students will also consider the role that archaeology plays in informing contemporary society, including its socio-political impact.

Understanding Artefacts and Ecofacts

To provide an understanding of the potential of artefacts for addressing fundamental questions in archaeology. To allow students to identify, select and differentiate between different methods of recording and illustrating (for example line drawing versus 3D scanning) different types of artefact. To allow students to select and use post-excavation strategies for recording, conservation and long-term of storage of artefacts. To provide students with the experience to interpret basic summary data concerning artefacts, which may include typologies, post-excavation assemblage reports, and scientific analytical data. To provide the theoretical framework and practical experience for working with assemblages of artefacts in order to answer broader archaeological questions, such as issues of production, consumption, trade and exchange, and identity.

Prehistoric Societies

The aims of the module are to examine the nature of prehistoric societies in the Old World through their material remains and to understand the potential and limitations of archaeological evidence in the reconstruction of the social, cultural and economic dimensions of non-literate communities.

Heritage Management with GIS

Heritage Management with GIS aims to provide an effective overview to current policies, legal requirements, and actions in managing cultural heritage within the UK. This will be combined with a practical introduction to Geographic Information Systems, detailing how they can be used to aid cultural heritage management practices.

Archaeologies of Transformation and Migration

The aim of the module is to explore how human mobility and cultural transformation are understood through archaeological evidence, using diverse case studies and modern scientific techniques to challenge conventional notions of fixed identities and unitary ethnic groups.

Placement

To provide the student with relevant experience of the workplace in an environment appropriate to their course of study, and acquire experience of real-world practical tasks, in order to develop better time-management skills; put their academic learning into a practical context; to develop and exercise a broad range of skills including specialist technical problem solving, communication and management skills; and to gain experience of careers relevant to their course of study.

Study Abroad Experience

To give students first-hand experience of studying in an overseas environment and understand different cultural issues and academic discussions and practice relevant to the student's chosen degree.

Archaeology and Heritage in Contemporary Society

Archaeology and Heritage in Contemporary Society aims to embed skills of critical evaluation in examining the role of archaeology and heritage today. It will consolidate themes already explored in earlier modules and prepare students for communicating the value of archaeology and heritage in a changing and global world.

Bones, Bodies And Burials

This module explores how contextual (grave) data, skeletal data and theoretical approaches can enhance our understanding of past societies, providing students with an understanding of human osteoarchaeology and funerary archaeology.

Landscapes, Climate And Society

Landscapes, Climate and Societies aims to provide an understanding of the variety of techniques available to the archaeologist to study landscapes and environments. The relevance of techniques to the reconstruction of past environments will be highlighted, with the ultimate aim in landscape and environmental reconstruction being to understand past societies. The module will demonstrate the benefit of inter-disciplinary research within archaeological research projects. Climate change is a contributing factor to contemporary global challenges, and the module aims to instil an understanding of the impact of climate change, and anthropogenic environmental changes, on past societies and their landscapes.

Dissertation

The module aims to develop students' abilities in independent research, providing them with the opportunity to demonstrate and enhance skills and knowledge acquired over the course of their degree programme through their application to a concentrated research project in a subject of the student's own choice.

Dating, Diet and Identity

The aim of the module is to explore the role of scientific methods in addressing key areas of study of the past. What has been achieved? How do we evaluate the archaeological and forensic importance of the findings? What challenges remain and how might they be addressed? The module will focus on the themes of dating, diet and identity, areas with significant staff expertise.