To explore the role of scientific methods in addressing key areas of study of the past: chronology, diet and identity. What has been achieved? How do we evaluate the importance of the findings? What challenges remain and how might they be addressed?
To give the opportunity to study stable light isotope analysis and its archaeological applications in detail
Particular emphasis will be placed on the applications of techniques and the inherent challenges in placing interpretation into a wider understanding of people in the past. There is an emphasis on specific themes and the use of case studies based on recently published research.
Outline Syllabus
The module will introduce, through case studies & the development of specific themes, a range of techniques & approaches used in archaeology to address questions of identity, diet and chronology. It will also cover the lessons learned from previous studies & future potential.
The identity theme will cover the place of molecular investigation in defining identity, residence & migration; source, stability & transformation of molecules; ancient DNA: What survives? How does it survive? What does it tell us about people in the past? The danger of contamination & the importance of sampling strategies; Biogeochemical studies & their use in identifying migration.
The diet theme will examine chemistry of lipids & proteins & their application in identifying past use of food; pottery vessel function; stable light isotopes & trace elements as indicators of diet.
The chronology theme will cover an introduction to chronology & issues of precision and accuracy, dating using short and long lived isotopes, radiation exposure dating and dating using patterns of change, including newly developed methods.
The stable light isotope theme will provide specialist knowledge in the principles of stable light isotope mass spectrometry, sample preparation, instrumental fundamentals and design. The specialist knowledge will be reinforced by the `hands on` practical component and will include use of the analytical centre instruments, collecting and analysing data, troubleshooting and method development/enhancement. The practical sessions will also involve following written experimental protocols, working in a small group, and working to deadlines.