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AY3514: PROFESSIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY II: POST-EXCAVATION ANALYSIS AND EMPLOYMENT (2022-2023)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:23


Course Overview

Lectures and laboratory practicals will provide experience in the techniques used to process and analyse archaeological artefacts and samples. We will introduce analytical basics for lithic, ceramic, faunal and historic artefact analysis as well as techniques for conserving, cataloguing and curating archaeological collections.  This course also introduces practical skills required to obtain employment and placement in an archaeological workplace through practical exercises in writing CVs, job cover letters and job interview skills.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Robert Dinnis

Qualification Prerequisites

  • One of Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4 or Programme Level 5

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Archaeology (AY)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course aims to provide practical experience in the techniques used to process and analyse archaeological artefacts and samples. Lectures and laboratory practicals will introduce analytical basics for lithic, ceramic, faunal and historic artefact analysis. Techniques in conserving, cataloguing and curating archaeological collections will also be introduced. This course also introduces practical skills need to obtain employment and placement in an archaeological workplace through practical excercises in writing CVs, job cover letters and job interview skills. By the end of the course students will have acquired:
- a knowledge of the basic techniques used in the laboratory analysis of archaeological artefacts.
- an understanding of the basics in proper handling, conservation and curation of archaeological collections and data.
- an understanding of the range of archaeological workplaces and the skills needed to write a CV, cover letter and conduct oneself at a job interview. 

Part of the course will be co-taught by Careers Advisers and introduce a range of archaeology-related professions and possible summer work placements in archaeology. This will provide guidance and support for student job applications and the course will cover practical skills such as how to write curriculum vitae and cover letters, and how to conduct effective job interviews.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Post-excavation report (60%)

CV and cover letter for mock job application (20%)

Self-reflective essay on the CV and cover letter assignment (20%)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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