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.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
- Read with comprehension material which relies on principal scientific dating techniques deployed in modern archaeology and paleoanthropology.
- Evaluate such material critically.
Other Information
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.
Indicative Assessment
One 3000-word assignment (80%) [Learning Outcomes 1, 2]
One short test (20%) [Learning Outcome 1]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
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.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Preliminary Reading
Aitken, M.J. 1990 Science-based dating in archaeology. Longman, London.
Areas of Interest
- Earth and Marine Sciences
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Biological Anthropology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Asia Pacific Studies
Majors
Minors
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3276 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4368 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7173 | 23 Jul 2018 | 30 Jul 2018 | 31 Aug 2018 | 26 Oct 2018 | In Person | N/A |
