ARCH06043 2013 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
This module provides a practical and theoretical introduction to scientific analytical techniques and reviews their applications to archaeology.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Explain the science behind a variety of scientific techniques that can be employed in the analysis of archaeological materials and outline their applications and limitations.
Perform a range of analytical techniques on a variety of organic and inorganic materials.
Describe case studies where scientific techniques were used in the investigation of archaeological materials and discuss the valuable information they provide about the past.
Solve numerical problems which involve calculations pertaining to selected analytical techniques.
Conduct practical work competently in a safe and responsible manner.
Calculate chemical compositions of samples using raw experimental data and determine the accuracy and precision of analytical measurements.
Communicate and present scientific information concisely and in proper scientific format.
Module Assessment Strategies
The module will be assessed on the basis of continuous assessment (theory and practical) and final theory examination.
Self-assessment tests and quizzes and other forms of formative assessment are provided to students to check their own progress towards achieving the learning outcomes of the module and to motivate learning.Laboratory skills and report-writing ability are assessed as part of the practical work performed during the module. Regular summative tests are used to encourage engagement with the module, monitor progress and provide feedback.
Indicative Syllabus
Sampling techniques
Accuracy, precision, error
Numerical calculations: solution concentrations, dilution of solutions, calculations pertaining to analytical techniques
The Beer-Lambert Law
UV-Visible Spectroscopy
Flame Photometry
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Scanning Electron Microscopy
X-Ray Fluorescence
Gas-Liquid Chromatography
Gas-Liquid Chromatograhy-Mass Spectrometry
High -Performance Liquid Chromatography
Case studies from peer-referenced archaeological science journals
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Continuous Assessment Assessment of Theory Knowledge | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 15 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4 |
2 | Practical Evaluation Assessment of practical laboratory skills, pre-practical and post-practical assessments,laboratory reports | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 50 % | OnGoing | 4,5,6,7 |
3 | Self-assessment tests and quizzes, homework exercises, in-class exercises, group discussions,practical reports | Formative | UNKNOWN | - % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam Written exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 35 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | Theory lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Laboratory Practical | Science Laboratory | Practical activities | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Seld-Directed Learning | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Module Resources
Craddock,Paul (2009).Scientific Investigation of Copies, Fakes and Forgeries.Butterworth-Heinemann,Oxford
Goffer, Zvi (2007) Archaeological Chemistry, Wiley, New Jersey
Harris, Daniel C (2006).Quantitative Chemical Analysis. Freeman, New York
Kaur H.(2010).Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis.Global Media (ebrary book)
Lambert, J.B. (1997). Traces of the Past : Unravelling the Secrets of Archaeology through Chemistry. Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA
Pollard,A.M., C.M.Batt, B.Stern and S.M.M. Young(2007) . Analytical Chemistry in Archaeology.Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK
Pollard,A.M.,and Heron,C. (2008). Archaeological Chemistry.Cambridge,RSC Publishing
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