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.

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Read with comprehension material which relies on principal scientific dating techniques deployed in modern archaeology and paleoanthropology.

2. Evaluate such material critically.

One 3000-word assignment (80%) [Learning Outcomes 1, 2]

One short test (20%) [Learning Outcome 1]

This course is normally offered every year.

Two hours of lectures and one hour of discussions per week plus laboratory visits; plus private study to bring the total weekly commitment to ten hours per week.

12 units of 1000-level Archaeology (ARCH), Biology (BIOL), Chemistry (CHEM), Earth and Marine Sciences (EMSC), Environmental Studies (ENVS), Mathematics (MATH), Physics (PHYS) or Science Communication (SCOM) courses.

12 units of 2000-level or 3000-level courses in Arhaeology (ARCH) and/or Biological Anthropology (BIAN).

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.