AR3S12-Science and the Dead: Taphonomy and Molecular Analysis of Human Remains

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Gundula Müldner
Email: g.h.mueldner@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Understanding of taphonomy and knowledge of biomolecular methods which are now being routinely applied in burial archaeology are essential for any archaeologist specialising in the study of human remains. This module was designed for students with an interest in the scientific analysis of human remains but with little or no formal background in science. It aims toÌýprovide them with an understanding of the key biomolecular methods that are currently employed by modern archaeology to reconstruct the living from the dead.

Aims:

This module aims to provide an understanding of human taphonomy, to introduce the framework of the most widely used methods in the scientific analysis of human remains (isotope, protein, elemental a DNA analysis) and to convey an understanding of the advantages and drawbacks of each approach to non-scientists.Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

By completion of this module, the students should be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of human taphonomy in different environments.


• Explain the principles and methodological framework of key approaches to the chemical analysis of human remains for archaeology


• Demonstrate an awareness of potential problems associated with each method


• Assess the relevance of academic papers published in the field


• Prepare and interpret isotope graphs and produce a scientific report based on their findings.


• Organise and present information as well as develop an argument orally and in writing to different audiences.

Additional outcomes:

This module aims to improve students'Ìýanalytical and teamworking skills by letting them complete in-class activities in group discussions. The assessments will enhance research skills in particular by requiring the independent use of online databases to locate recent scientific publications. Seminar presentations and participation will give an opportunity to develop presentation and communication skills.

Outline content:

This module will introduce the principles of human taphonomy and introduce key methods in molecular analysis of human remains by discussing classic and recent case-studies. The sessions will cover taphonomy and bone diagenesis, isotope analysis and elemental analysis of bone and teeth, ancient proteomics as well as ancient DNA analysis of human remains for addressing archaeological questions. Emphasis will be on stable isotope data and their interpretation for diet and mobility.

Global context:

Sessions will be illustrated by case-studies from a range of geographical and cultural contexts. Discussions on the ethics of destructive sampling will bring in perspectives from non-Western and indigenous scholars and groups.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module is taught in a flipped classroom format. Students will prepare for each session by watching a recorded lecture, using a ‘weekly worksheet’ and directed reading to help them focus on the most relevant points. The weekly seminar sessions will focus on deepening understanding of this material through classroom discussions of the worksheets and data interpretation exercises done in groups.

A series of tutorials will help students prepare for the Isotope Report assignment.