Prospectus

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Archaeological Science Specialisation Course: Archaeozoology

Course
2023-2024

Admission requirements

  • Admission to the MSc Archaeology programme Archaeological Science or admission to the RMSc Archaeology programme;

  • BA2 Bioarchaeology and Zoology courses obtained with at least 7.0, or equivalent level in analytical skills (to be determined by the examinator).

Description

Archaeozoology is a wide discipline in terms of the diversity of animal remains that can be studied, the wide range of methods that can be applied to generate data, and the research questions that can be addressed.

This is a practical course where you will apply and expand the knowledge and skills gained in archaeozoology during the Bachelor Archaeology programme.
This course will complete the training at a more specialised level in order to investigate a broad spectrum of faunal remains from archaeological sites and assemblages.

New research methods will be addressed alongside more advanced aspects of the methods taught during the foundation courses of the bachelor.

Course set-up

The practicals and seminars will take place with the following structure (almost) every day:

  • 1 hour of seminar or lecture;

  • 2 hours of practicals.

Course objectives

  • To deepen the knowledge on research methods and techniques and their application possibilities within archaeozoology;

  • Knowledge of the diversity and evolution of the different animal groups in the Quaternary;

  • Ability to determine and differentiate different groups of faunal remains;

  • Ability to use laboratory equipment, reference collections and scientific literature to identify faunal (sub)fossils;

  • Ability to sample, register, analyse and present archaeozoological data;

  • Ability to interpret a wide spectrum of faunal assemblages, reconstruct past faunal communities, palaeo-environment and draw conclusions about human/hominin activities;

  • Ability to participate in archaeozoological discussions and debates.

Timetable

Course schedule details can be found in MyTimetable.
Log in with your ULCN account, and add this course using the 'Add timetable' button.

Mode of instruction

Individual and collective coaching and feedback based on:

  • Seminar-based introductory lectures;

  • Practical work;

  • Student-directed questions.

Assessment method

  • Laboratory scientific notebook (ca. 800 words based on the analyses from the practical assignments but incorporating independent notes, research and interpretations) (100%).

A retake consists of the improvement of the report within six weeks after submission of the first version, but only if the attendance requirements have been met.

Assessment deadlines

All assessment deadlines (exams, retakes, paper deadlines etc.) can be found in MyTimetable.
Log in with your ULCN account, and add this course using the 'Add timetable' button. To view the assessment deadline(s), make sure to select the course with a code ending in T and/or R.

All analyses and the report must be completed during the block.
The report and final submission of assignments are to be handed in two weeks after the end of the course.

Reading list

To be provided by the examinator.

Registration

For lectures, tutorials, and exams, enrolment through MyStudymap is mandatory.
You are also required to confirm your exam in MyStudymap. No confirmation = no participation!

General information about registration can be found on the Course and Exam Enrolment page.

Contact

For more information about this course, please contact dr. L. (Laura) Llorente Rodriguez.

Remarks

Compulsory attendance.