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.

On completion of the course, students should be able to

• read with comprehension material which relies on principal scientific dating techniques deployed in modern archaeology and paleoanthropology.
• evaluate such material critically

A 3000 word assignment (80%) and one short test (20%)

Normally offered every year
2 hours lectures, one hour discussions per week plus laboratory visits

2 first-year courses in the School of Archaeology and Anthropology (ARCH or PREH) and/or a science discipline, or one with permission of the co-ordinator.

Aitken, M.J. 1990 Science-based dating in archaeology. Longman, London.

This course is primarily intended for Honours students in Archaeology and/or Biological Anthropology, and when places are limited priority may be given to students intending to undertake one of these courses in the following year.