Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Geoarchaeology
Code ENVS392
Coordinator Dr ED Rushworth
Central Teaching Laboratory
E.D.Rushworth@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To provide an understanding the principles and methods of the application of the earth sciences in archaeological investigations.

To develop an appreciation of the value of a multidisciplinary scientific approach to understanding landscape evolution during archaeological investigations

To provide an understanding of the principles and methods of archaeological sciences in archaeological investigations.

To develop an understanding of the techniques used in archaeological sciences during investigation of artefacts and their geological significance .

To gain experience in the use of multiple data sets from different scientific disciplines used in archaeological analyses.

To develop experience in communicating between multiple disciplines and both scientifically literate specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Understand the different aspects of geoarchaeology and scientific archaeology

(LO2) Know the range of different practical analyses that can be used in geoarchaeological and archaeometric investigations

(LO3) Understand how and where to apply multiple datasets in geoarchaeological and archaeometric investigations

(LO4) Critically evaluate competing theories of landscape and palaeoenvironmental development

(LO5) Critically evaluate the benefits of different techniques and be able to assess the appropriate scientific techniques to answer archaeological questions

(LO6) Assess and communicate the level of certainty in predictions from imperfect datasets

(LO7) Use different microscopy techniques to recognise important minerals and alteration products

(LO8) Use data from a range of scientific methods to interpret landscape and palaeoenvironmental influences, source materials and chronology

(LO9) Use and correlate stratigraphic data from archaeological sites

(LO10) Presentation skills for written and oral work and communication of scientific data to different audiences

(LO11) Working collaboratively to summarise and share information effectively during development of an online resource

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S2) Skills in using technology - Using common applications (work processing, databases, spreadsheets etc.)

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

(S5) Working in groups and teams - Group action planning

(S6) Numeracy/computational skills - Problem solving

(S7) Skills in using technology - Online communications skills

Syllabus
 

Sedimentology, lithology and local geology

Soils and paleosols

Geomorphology and hydrology

Structural geology and basin development

Chronological methods and chronostratigraphy

Stratigraphy, boundary surfaces, marker beds and site correlation

Climate drivers and indicators

Palaeoenvironmental indicators and landscape reconstruction

Glass production

Metal working, ores, slags.

Pigments and dyes.

Scientific techniques used in artefact analysis

Sample preparation and microscopy techniques including, SEM, CL microscopy, thin section analysis, artefact analysis by reflected light.

Geochemical analysis and datasets including XRF, AAS, Stable isotope analysis of Pb, Sr, C and O, and ICP.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lecture
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 14 x 1 hour lectures

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Seminar
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 2 x 3 hour team delivered seminar with paper presentations and group discussion

Teaching Method 3 - Laboratory Work
Description: Laboratory classes
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 8 x 3 hour practical sessions on different geoarchaeological topics

Teaching Method 4 - Workshop
Description: Computer workshop
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: How to set up and use a wiki

Teaching Method 5 - Group Project
Description: Group work
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Team project workshops for preparation of seminars and wikis

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 14

 6

   24

   3

10

 57
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 93
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2  2 hour exam    40       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2  Group wiki. Approxim    30       
Assessment 3 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2  Paper review present    30       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.