Semester 1: To develop critical awareness of the relationship between physical and chemical properties and their links to underlying atomic interactions. To provide insight into the relationships between macroscopic measurements and microscopic properties encountered in the archaeological sciences, with particular emphasis on the physical sciences. These insights will also aid the student’s understanding of scientific techniques introduced in other modules.
Semester 2: This semester covers the fundamental physical and chemical principles of instrumental analytical techniques, the operational requirements and interpretative methods of the techniques of importance to archaeological and forensic science applications.
Outline Syllabus
Semester 1: Introduction. The scientific method. e.g. The structure of the atom. Atomic Structure. Nuclear chemistry. Stable Light isotopes. Electromagnetic Radiation – Waves / Particles? Calculations using waves. A more complicated atom: The quantum atom. A more complicated atom: Orbitals. Absorption and Emission Spectra. Colour. Chemical Bonding 1&2. Introduction to Organic Chemistry 1 – Nomenclature. Introduction to Organic Chemistry 2 – Isomers. Introduction to Biochemistry. Lewis Structures and Organic Molecules. The Elements: The Periodic Table. Moles and Molarity, ppm/ppb. Magnetism. Exam revision. Environmental chemistry. Preservation in situ.
Semester 2: Principles of analytical sciences. Microscopy techniques and instruments. Vibrational spectroscopy including Infra Red and Raman spectroscopy. Trace element techniques. X-ray techniques. Separation science techniques including gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Isotope mass spectrometry.