BIAN6510 Scientific Dating and Isotope analysis for Archaeology and Palaeoanthropology
| Offered By | School of Archaeology and Anthropology |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Biological Anthropology |
| Offered in | Second Semester, 2011 and Second Semester, 2012 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
An overview of the principal techniques deployed in modern archaeology and palaeoanthropology to place the material remains of the human past and the human environment in a chronological context, from earliest human origins to quite recent times. Starting with fundamental principles such as stratigraphy and relatively simple methods such as dendrochronology (tree-ring dating), the course will progress to examine some of the main scientifically based methods relevant to prehistory and human evolution, such as radiocarbon, U-series, potassium/argon, luminescence, electron spin resonance and fission-track dating. The course also examines the use of isotope analysis in the reconstruction of ancient diet. Where possible the course will include visits to the respective laboratories. |
| Indicative Assessment |
4000 word assessment (80%) and one short test (20%). |
| Workload |
Normally offered every year |
| Course Classification(s) | TransitionalTransitional courses are designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds and learning achievements, which provide for the acquisition of generic skills; or an informed understanding of contemporary issues; or fundamental knowledge for transition to Advanced or Specialist courses. |
| Areas of Interest | Anthropology |
| Preliminary Reading |
Aitken, M.J. Science-based dating in archaeology, Longman, 1990. |
| Programs | Master of Biological Anthropology, Graduate Certificate in Biological Anthropology, and Master of Archaeological Science |
| Academic Contact | Professor Rainer Grűn |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.
