ARCH06038 2013 GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYING AND PROCESSING (THEORY)
This module will cover the theoretical principles behind geophysical prospecting and remote sensing as these techniques are applied to archaeological situations. This module will also cover the applications of various computer programs that allow the processing of geophysical data and its integration with other forms of information.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Describe the basic principles of the main geophysical techniques that might be applied in an archaeological context
Evaluate the merits and limitations of different geophysical prospection methods, data processing and interpretation
Theorise, plan and develop geophysical solutions to archaeological problems
Demonstrate basic knowledge of the use and application of dedicated computer programs for processing and presenting geophysical data
Analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions from geophysical data obtained in the field and/or data presented in problem-solving exercises
Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
- Introduction to geophysical prospection in archaeology including a history of archaeological geophyscis
- Examination of the reasons for geophysical survey in archaeology and reasons for choice of method
- Writing a geophysical report and reviewing geophysical reports
- Introduction to the concept of an integrated survey methodology and the importance of an accurately located geophysical survey grid
- Introduction to magnetic prospection
- The magnetic susceptibility technique, principles, instrumentation, survey procedure, data processing requirements and case studies
- The magnetic gradiometry technique, principles, instrumentation, survey procedure, data processing and case studies
- Introduction to resistivity survey
- The resistivity technique, principles, instrumentation, survey procedure, data processing and case studies
- Electrical imaging and tomography, principles, instrumentation, survey procedure, data processing and case studies
- The ground probing radar (GPR) technique, principles, instrumentation, survey procedure, data processing and case studies
- Data and image processing, interpretation and integration of results with archaeological data
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Assignment Literature review/case study review | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 30 % | UNKNOWN | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
2 | Presentation | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 30 % | UNKNOWN | 1,2,3,5,6 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 40 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | Lecture | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self Study | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Module Resources
Aspinall, A., Gaffney, C., Schmidt, A. Magnetometry for Archaeologists (2008) ISBN-10: 978-0-7591-1106-6 Altamaria Press. Plymouth
Clark, A. 1990, Seeing Beneath the Soil. London; Batsford (2nd edition 1996)
Conyers, L., Goodman, D. (1997) Ground Penetrating Radar: An Introduction for Archaeologists. ISBN-10: 0761989277. Altamira Press. Plymouth
David A, Linford N, Linford P, 2008. Geophysical survey in archaeological field evaluation. Product Code 51430. English Heritage Publishing. PDF version available on line at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/GeophysicsGuidelines.pdf
Gaffney, C., Gater, J., Ovenden, S. 1991, The Use of Geophysical Survey Techniques in Archaeological Evaluations. Institute of Field Archaeologists
Gaffney, C. and Gater, J. 2003, Revealing the Buried Past: Geophysics for Archaeologists. Tempus.
Scollar I, Tabbagh A, Hesse A, and Herzog I. 1990. Archaeological Prospection and Remote Sensing, Cambridge University Press
Witten, A. (2006) Handbook of Geophysics in Archaeology. ISBN-10 1904768601. Equinox Publishing
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