Admission requirements
None.
Description
Bioarchaeology is the study of all biological materials found in archaeological context in order to provide information about human life in the past including palaeoeconomic, palaeoenvironmental realms or evolutionary trends.
The main aim of the course is to provide insights into diverse theoretical and analytical approaches and methodologies to the study of bioarchaeology, as well as to advance your knowledge on how to interpret bioarchaeological data from various sources.
In this course, we will discuss some general principles, but the focus will be on the analysis and interpretation of botanical, zoological and human skeletal data.
Course objectives
Gain knowledge of the basic principles of taxonomy;
Gain knowledge of the (palaeo)biological terms and concepts, and techniques used to reconstruct landscapes, palaeo-environments and palaeo-climate;
Gain knowledge of how to use plant fossil and animal assemblages to make palaeo-environmental reconstructions, consider diet, and diverse human activities;
Gain basic knowledge on how to excavate, sample and treat bioarchaeological remains;
Gain knowledge of the human skeleton and osteoarchaeological techniques used to estimate sex, age-at-death, and stature;
Gain knowledge on the ethical considerations associated with human skeletal remains;
Ability to interpret and critically evaluate divers types of bioarchaeological data.
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
Lectures;
Three 2 hour practicals (one per topic).
Assessment method
One final written exam at the end of the course (2 hours). (100%)
A retake of the exam is only possible in case of a fail (in compliance with our teaching rules and regulations).
Assessment deadlines
The dates of exams and retakes can be found in MyTimetable. The deadlines of papers, essays and assignments are communicated through Brightspace.
Reading list
Literature will be made available through Brightspace.
Registration
BA2 students who enroll for GIS will be automatically enrolled for Bioarchaeology by the Administration Office.
Are you retaking Bioarchaeology? Please contact the Administration Office for your enrollment.
General information about registration can be found on the Course and exam enrolment page.
Contact
For more information about this course, please contact Dr. R. (Rachel) Schats, Dr. L. (Laura) Llorente Rodríguez or Dr. M.H. (Michael) Field.