ARK4070 ¨C Environmental Archaeology and Archaeometry

Course content

This course investigates the application of different scientific methods of analysis that are used to conduct research within the field of archaeology. The course further investigates the applied principles and methods at the intersection of archaeology, geosciences, ecology, biology and metallurgy.

The course reviews traditions of interdisciplinary work between archaeology and natural sciences and aims to build competencies in using environmental proxies to better understand the human relationship to the environment.

The students will write a research paper in which they explore a relevant research topic related to the semester coursework.

Learning outcome

The course aims to ensure that students have a general knowledge and understanding of the most commonly utilised natural science methods applied in archaeological research. Students will also learn to critically evaluate the potential benefits and inherent limitations of specific scientific research tools used in archaeology.

The course is useful for archaeologists intending to conduct fieldwork, as well as for those that rely upon natural scientific data to build interpretive frameworks for understanding the human past. This course provides a foundation for developing further specialisation within the different methods of scientific analysis.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

The course is open to students that have admission to Arkeologi (master).

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Admission to this course requires a previously obtained bachelor degree in archaeology or a related field.

Teaching

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars with practical exercises.

Mandatory assessments:

• Students must lead one 10-minute discussion of a topic. The topics and questions will be provided by the teacher.
• Students must pass five statistics modules. All statistical operations will be conducted in the free, open-source program of R, so students are expected to have access to a computer to which they have administrative privileges. Students will have opportunities to redo modules until they pass in the event they do not pass on the first attempt(s).

Failure to complete the mandatory assessments will result in the student being prohibited from taking the final exam.

Examination

The students are evaluated based on an individual term paper. The assignment is handed out at the beginning of the term, and the students are expected to work on their paper throughout the semester.

The final paper must be uploaded to Inspera as a .pdf-file. The students must ensure that their candidate number is used as a header on every page. The students are responsible for uploading the assignment in a readable form.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Information about course specific grades in Archaeology.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.