Last modified: 23 Jul 2024 11:01
This course provides a broad introduction to the field of Biomolecular Archaeology and the study of ancient biomolecules. In a series of lectures, seminars and practicals, you will learn key theoretical concepts, principles, and laboratory methods underpinning state-of-the-art research on ancient biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins and lipids
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Ancient biomolecules are often preserved in archaeological skeletal remains or artefacts and provide a means to answer a wide range of archaeological questions. DNA analysis can provide information on biological sex, kinship, and population affinities, in addition to health and disease via the study of pathogens and oral microbiomes. Stable isotope analysis on bone proteins (collagen) or other skeletal components such as apatite offer insights to past diets, movements, palaeoecology and even climate, and lipids extracted from potsherds can provide direct evidence of which foodstuffs were processed in different types of vessels.
The aim of this course is to provide students with a broad knowledge and understanding of key theory and principles underpinning the study of ancient biomolecules, and an introduction to laboratory methods for extracting and analysing ancient DNA, and stable isotopes found in bone collagen and other tissues. Lectures will cover basic and advanced, research-informed theory and real-world examples on how ancient biomolecules are becoming increasingly integrated in archaeological research. Student-led seminars will cover recent examples from the literature on state-of-the-art application and analysis of ancient biomolecules for the resolution of a wide range of archaeological questions. The course offers a broad introduction to the field of Biomolecular Archaeology and Bioarchaeological Science and will guide students in their further specialisation on courses in semester 2, and for choosing a dissertation topic in semester 3
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 19 | Feedback Weeks | 21,22 | |
| Feedback |
An essay in which the student critically examines one key issue that is at the forefront of ancient DNA research, and provides a broad and detailed synthesis on that issue. Detailed feedback will be given via grade centre, and include an annotated copy of the students manuscript, marking rubric and additional written notes. |
Word Count | 3000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the theory and principles underpinning the study of ancient biomolecules |
| Procedural | Analyse | Critically assess published research and demonstrate critical awareness of methodological limitations in bioarchaeological science approaches |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Integrate and critically evaluate the study of ancient biomolecules for the resolution of archaeological questions |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 39 | Feedback Weeks | 41,42 | |
| Feedback |
An average grade based on the contribution (preparedness, critical insights, and synthesis of content within the broader research field) across the semester). Detailed feedback will be given via grade centre, and include an annotated copy of the students manuscript, marking rubric and additional written notes. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the theory and principles underpinning the study of ancient biomolecules |
| Procedural | Analyse | Critically assess published research and demonstrate critical awareness of methodological limitations in bioarchaeological science approaches |
| Procedural | Apply | Apply a range of practical and analytical techniques for collecting biomolecular data |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Integrate and critically evaluate the study of ancient biomolecules for the resolution of archaeological questions |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 18 | Feedback Weeks | 20,21 | |
| Feedback |
A 10-15 min presentation in the style of a conference presentation in which the student demonstrates in-depth, critical understanding of how one or several ancient biomolecules can resolve archaeological questions. Presentation will be followed by a discussion seminar. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the theory and principles underpinning the study of ancient biomolecules |
| Procedural | Analyse | Critically assess published research and demonstrate critical awareness of methodological limitations in bioarchaeological science approaches |
| Procedural | Apply | Apply a range of practical and analytical techniques for collecting biomolecular data |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Integrate and critically evaluate the study of ancient biomolecules for the resolution of archaeological questions |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Evaluate | Integrate and critically evaluate the study of ancient biomolecules for the resolution of archaeological questions |
| Procedural | Analyse | Critically assess published research and demonstrate critical awareness of methodological limitations in bioarchaeological science approaches |
| Conceptual | Understand | Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the theory and principles underpinning the study of ancient biomolecules |
| Procedural | Apply | Apply a range of practical and analytical techniques for collecting biomolecular data |
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