This core course introduces students to the range of archaeological science methods and techniques which one can expect to use in field- and laboratory-based archaeological research and heritage management projects, evaluated within an explicitly archaeological methodology. A background in the history of the field will first be given, and the theoretical debates concerning the role of archaeological science within the wider field of archaeology will be discussed. Various sub-disciplines within archaeological science will be introduced. Field trips and/or practical study will also be an integral aspect of this course.

Where field trips or practical study involves travel outside of Canberra (including to other parts of the ACT), students will only be permitted to undertake this travel upon completion of ANU required documentation and the approval of all documentation by the relevant delegate.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. explain and critique the relationships between environmental sciences, archaeology and historical and social disciplines ;
2. apply basic principles derived from physical sciences in natural systems to archaeological research design and data interpretation ;
3. understand the research context of key developments in archaeological science as a discipline ;
4. plan and investigate archaeological deposits and apply a range of techniques to record and disseminate the results of excavation and mapping; and
5. explain basic field contextual analysis and assessment of archaeological sites within holistic frameworks bridging biological, chemical and physical sciences, and archaeology.

Research-Led Teaching

The course is taught by various specialists within the various sub-disciplines covered in the course and Master of Archaeological and Evolutionary Studies Program who introduce their own distinctive research focus. The practical aspect of the course will focus on identifying archaeological research questions within the fieldwork scenario and articulating this in a field report format

Field Trips

There are no planned fieldwork trips but we do have an on-campus fieldwork practical course from the 4th-8th April. This practical is intended to provide you with knowledge of archaeological excavation and recording techniques, and the skills to write field reports.

Required Resources

A number of course books are listed on the wattle page and in programs and courses that will be useful to dip in to as we move through the program. Specific resources relevant to each week's learning will be provided by the lecturers.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction and Orientation
2	Archaeological Excavation and Sampling
3	Evolution and Adaptation
4	Introduction to Zooarchaeology
5	Introduction to Chronometric Dating
6	Primate Ecology
7	Human Evolution/Comparative Biology
8	Archaeomalacology
9	Introduction to Geoarchaeology
10	Introduction to Bioarchaeology
11	Archaeobotany (Plant Macrofossils)
12	Isotopes in Archaeology

Tutorial Registration

No tutorial registration

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Powerpoint presentation (in seminar)	10 %	*	*	1,2,3,4,5
Discussion linked to presentation (in seminar)	10 %	*	*	1,2,3,4,5
Short Report and Analysis	10 %	10/04/2022	25/06/2022	3,5
Archaeological Science Essay	20 %	10/06/2022	25/06/2022	1,2,3,4
Project Proposal	25 %	03/06/2022	25/06/2022	1,2,5,6
Practical Fieldwork	25 %	17/06/2022	25/06/2022	1,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

All the lectures and tutorials will be on line. Attendance is expected for the live ZOOM lecture and the succeeding tutorial and student presentation. We also have a week-long fieldwork practical on campus from the 4th-8th April. Two assessments are linked to this practical and attendance is required.

Assessment Task 1

Powerpoint presentation (in seminar)

Consider the design of your Powerpoint slides carefully, with not too much text, at least 24 or 28 point font, clear images, citations for each image used, and a reference slide at the end. Try to aim for 15 – 20 minutes for the presentation. As the presentations will be presented remotely, there will be flexibility. We cannot be certain that everything will go to plan first time, every time over the coming weeks. And presentations on line inevitably take longer than expected. You should aim to have a maximum of 15 slides (excluding title slide and reference slide at the end). I anticipate c. 20 references would be consulted for the talk - including the readings set for that week. Remember: you are expected to provide a number of questions at the end of your presentation related to the topic. This will lead the group discussion. 

The presentation and discussion will be through remote participation, and where possible live. You can prepare your presentation as normal and the topic can be presented during the ZOOM sessions that will be set up. Discussions will follow – possibly, initially split into small groups (via break out rooms) and then together. 

Note: These tasks are sub-divided into assessment of the presentation (10%) and leading the following discussion (10%). 

Assessment Task 2

Discussion linked to presentation (in seminar)

Consider the design of your Powerpoint slides carefully, with not too much text, at least 24 or 28 point font, clear images, citations for each image used, and a reference slide at the end. Try to aim for 15 – 20 minutes for the presentation. As the presentations will be presented remotely, there will be flexibility. We cannot be certain that everything will go to plan first time, every time over the coming weeks. And presentations on line inevitably take longer than expected. You should aim to have a maximum of 15 slides (excluding title slide and reference slide at the end). I anticipate c. 20 references would be consulted for the talk - including the readings set for that week. Remember: you are expected to provide a number of questions at the end of your presentation related to the topic. This will lead the group discussion. 

The presentation and discussion will be through remote participation, and where possible live. You can prepare your presentation as normal and the topic can be presented during the ZOOM sessions that will be set up. Discussions will follow – possibly, initially split into small groups (via break out rooms) and then together. 

Note: These tasks are sub-divided into assessment of the presentation (10%) and leading the following discussion (10%). 

Assessment Task 3

Short Report and Analysis

The outcomes of a considerable amount of zooarchaeological data is illustrated and presented in graphic form. It requires an understanding of the numerical data and how this is best presented and interpreted. The student will be provided with some background information on an archaeological site, and some zooarchaeological data. They will be expected to graphically present the data in an understandable format and provide a basic interpretation (within 500 words) of what the data might be informing about the zooarchaeological record. 

Assessment Task 4

Archaeological Science Essay

An archaeological and evolutionary science topic that is not covered in detail in the course is archaeochemistry (with the exception of isotopes). Archaeochemistry covers a diverse range of topics, any of which you can choose to be the main theme of your essay. Expect c. 15 references, around 2000 words of text - use of figures and tables recommended to augment points.

Assessment Task 5

Project Proposal

In this assessment you will be expected to produce a short project proposal to excavate, sample and analyse the recovered materials from a real archaeological site located in central Vietnam. To aid students to complete this assessment a number of resources are available on line on Wattle. These include the lecture itself on Excavation and Sampling Strategies (which will be recorded), literary resources and some recordings from previous site visits to Kioloa (2017), NSW where techniques of archaeological excavation and sampling are discussed. The Project Design should be approximately 1500 words in length and consist of an Introduction, Aims and Objectives, (brief) Archaeological Background, Methodology and proposed likely Outcomes of the research project. The proposal should focus solely on survey, excavation and sampling protocols and the projected outcomes of the research project. In this assessment you will not be focussing on the many other aspects of project proposal preparation. 

Assessment Task 6

Practical Fieldwork

This assessment is based around the excavation of a trench in the on-campus training facility at the School of Archaeology and Anthropology. The fieldwork will be undertaken in semester 1 break, from Monday 11th April – Thursday 14th April. Each group will participate for 4 days of practical experience in excavation and recording of archaeological deposits, features and material culture. The assessment will be based on the completion of context records, stratigraphic drawing and excavation and interpretation skills. A short report (2000 words) on the excavation strategy, results and outcomes. The assessment should include completed context sheets, plan and profile drawings and appropriate photographic records and a skeleton record sheet. 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Presenters will be chosen randomly to complete a presentation and lead the discussion. Feedback will be fairly prompt and follow within a few days of the presentation. Personal feedback can be requested for the presentation. For written pieces of work, final dates for the return of assessments are provided here and on wattle. This will include formal feedback on each of the assessments, provided via email. Further information can be requested through one to one meetings made by appointment.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Re-submission of assessments will not be permitted

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students