Osteoarchaeology – (M.Sc.)

Contents

We welcome students on this course for both full-time and part-time study.

For those wishing to complete the course on a part-time basis, the course is studied over two years. Students will be expected to study a minimum of three units per year, plus their dissertation (usually towards the end of their second year). The timetable of when the units take place vary each year, however, the units are timetabled during daytime hours, and will be studied with fellow full-time students.

Year 1 / Level M

Principles & Methods in Zooarchaeology

This unit will provide you with a solid basis in the principles of identification of mammals, birds and fish and the recording and analytical methods currently employed in the study of animal bones from archaeological sites. It will also provide you with an appreciation of how animal bone studies are integrated with other aspects of archaeology. You will learn mainly through practical workshops, in which you will further your familiarity with zooarchaeological assemblages and techniques, through the handling of material and by practical exercises based on that material. Case studies will explore how investigations of faunal remains can be integrated within the wider discipline of archaeology.

Humans, Animals and Diet

Gain a detailed understanding of the history of animal exploitation for food and the inter-relationships between humans and animals in different periods and regions. This unit aims to provide you with knowledge of the major developments in animal exploitation in Britain. A number of central themes in zooarchaeological studies will be explored that can be applied to the study of human diets in European, Asian and New World contexts. You will also be developing critical awareness of the range of cultural attitudes towards animals, in different human societies.

Advanced Human Osteology

Develop a detailed knowledge of human skeletal remains, with emphasis on musculo-skeletal anatomy and the development of the skeleton. You will be introduced to the identification and description of human remains, recovered from archaeological and forensic contexts. The role of developmental processes in the analysis of age at death will be examined, with reference to the formation and development of skeletal structures. The unit also covers the principal methods involved in generating a biological profile from skeletal remains.

Research Skills

This unit introduces you to a range of academic research methodologies and the research environment. It provides an opportunity to gain experience in using generic research tools, as well as subject specific analytical tools and practical techniques relevant to your specialist subject area. It will combine a variety of learning and teaching methods including lectures, workshops, computer based learning, practical activities and small group work.

Research Project

Develop your expertise in research methods, data collection, analysis, interpretation and synthesis and explore in detail core aspects of your subject area, with a view to generating new practical or theoretical insights. You will develop methodological, research, presentation skills and advanced communication skills by producing an extensive dissertation or report on your research.

Optional units: choose 2 of the following:

Past Environmental Change

Cover the principles and practice of palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and how palaeoecological data (from archaeological and geological sites) can inform our understanding of human evolution and the conservation science. Data on past environmental change is beginning to be used to a greater extent, as a base-line to understand what the environment was like before the increase in human influence. Palaeoecological data from different proxy organism remains (animals and plants), also provide a longer timescale over which to understand ecological processes that operate beyond the length of a human lifetime. Both climate change and other forms of environmental change such as human changes to the landscape will be covered.

Professional Practice in Post-Excavation

Plan and undertake the post-excavation and specialist analysis of a relevant body of archaeological data and archive material using the methods, practices and project management skills commonly employed in the archaeological profession and in archaeological research studies. Prior to undertaking recording and analysis of a specialist material or data archive, you will gain an understanding of how to evaluate the potential of archaeological data and how to plan an appropriate programme of post-excavation analysis and design a suitable recording scheme for a selected body of material.

Human Skeletal Analysis

The concepts and uses of biological data, in examination and analysis of human skeletal remains are covered in this unit. It will combine consideration of basic bioprofiling techniques with additional characteristics including stature, handedness and non-metric traits. This unit will demonstrate identification of trauma and pathology and introduce the ways in which the study of disease can inform about health status in past societies. In addition, it will show how such pathology can provide important information that may lead to the identification of deceased individuals, recovered from forensic contexts.

Accreditation

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), the UK government’s teaching quality watchdog, awarded us the highest category of confidence in our academic standards.

Many of our courses are accredited by professional and industry bodies, which means our courses are readily recognised by employers, and our graduates have professional membership or status when they compete on the job market.

Funding details

Scholarships

The School of Applied Sciences is now offering a number of scholarships including:

• 30 UK/EU scholarships worth £1,000
• 10 international (non-EU) scholarships worth £1,500
• 4 Santander scholarships worth £5,000 for nationals of one of the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay or Venezuela.

Scholarships are paid by a reduction in tuition fee. To view further information such as eligibility, entry criteria and how to apply, please visit the Postgraduate Scholarships pages.

Discounts

A 5% discount is available for all students who pay the full course fee prior to or at enrolment. Additionally, BU graduates who enrol will be eligible for a 15% discount on their course fee.