Archaeology

Durham University

Combine study of the ancient world with modern scientific techniques.,This dynamic course brings together the discipline of the scientific laboratory with the excitement of fieldwork. You will get an overview of the world of archaeology and a thorough grounding in the scientific techniques used to explore the past. Depending on your module choices you may receive professional accreditation from the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. With access to state-of the-art laboratory facilities, and outstanding training from some of the world’s leading archaeological scientists, you will have the opportunity to learn the cutting-edge techniques used in archaeology. These include: DNA and isotopic analysis, Geographical Information Systems, geoarchaeology, archaeobotany and the analysis of human and animal skeletal remains. By the end of your degree you will have a comprehensive set of science and social science research skills for archaeology, but also a range of transferable skills relevant to many careers, including data management and analysis, critical thinking and writing, and written and oral presentation. All BSc Archaeology students can take part in archaeological fieldwork in the UK and abroad, engaging with departmental research projects and learning further archaeological and transferable skills. The degree culminates in a research project, or dissertation, which you will develop under the guidance of a member of staff, many of whom are experts in the field.You will develop your knowledge through a series of Scientific Methods in Archaeology modules, and build on these with Advanced Skills and Specialised Aspects of Archaeology options. Classroom teaching is supported by small-group tutorials and lab-based practicals. These will guide you in developing your expertise in ancient landscapes and environments, past climate change, diet, migrations, mobility, health, animal-human interactions, scientific dating, materials science, and conservation techniques relevant to archaeological objects.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Introduction to Archaeological Methods provides you with a grounding in a range of scientific methods and techniques used in contemporary archaeology.Archaeology in Britain gives you a wide-ranging introduction to how archaeologists work, how sites are found and excavated, how archaeological information is generated, theorised and interpreted, and the issues facing archaeology today. It will give you the basic study skills for library work, essays, tutorials and computing. The module also gives a brief overview of British archaeology by period, from the Neolithic to the present day.Archaeology Practicals introduces field and laboratory techniques for the recording and analysis of primary materials, sites and monuments, using group work wherever possible.Scientific Methods in Archaeology 1 provides a grounding in a range of scientific methods and techniques used in archaeology today. It will help you develop a critical awareness of the potential and limitations of data and its analysis when applied to archaeological problems.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Discovering World PrehistoryCities in AntiquityMedieval to Modern: An Introduction to the Archaeology of the Medieval to Post-Medieval WorldAncient Civilisations of the EastFieldwork You will undertake six weeks of compulsory fieldwork – three weeks at our field school in Year 1, and three weeks at an excavation of your choice in Year 2.Year 2 modulesCore modules:Professional Training (requires three weeks of fieldwork in the summer before starting Year 2). This module uses practical experience to give you an understanding of the objectives and operation of a fieldwork project and how data and material produced by archaeological projects is processed.