This course introduces students to a selection of microanalytical techniques used in archaeological science. Students will receive instruction in three different sub-fields: geochemical sourcing, stable isotope analysis and artefact material analysis. The emphasis is upon acquiring "hands-on" knowledge of each technique, including the equipment used, the generation of data and the interpretation of data. Students will prepare samples and collect data using techniques such as x-ray fluorescence, thin-section pertography and sediment analysis and analyse the data with statistical techniques and methods.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Recognise the potential for application of microanalysis in specific situations.
- Understand and implement good laboratory techniques including safe practice and proper documentation.
- Perform analyses using appropriate technology.
- Manipulate and calibrate data sets to identify the composition of archaeological materials.
- Construct statistical models to assign artefacts to a geographical source.
Other Information
Students require a permission code to enrol and are asked to email their request to: admin.chl@anu.edu.au.
Indicative Assessment
- Three short quizzes (3 X 5%) (15) [LO 1,2,3]
- One essay: Students select an essay topic related to one of the three microanalysis techniques covered in the course. (25) [LO 1,4,5]
- Three lab reports (3X20% each): One lab report for each major topic covered in the course. (60) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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Workload
The course workload is 130 hours including in class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
na
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
na
Preliminary Reading
Reading lists, primarily focused on recent journal articles, will be provided for each course topi and are available on the Wattle site.
Assumed Knowledge
Knowledge of basic statistical techniques is helpful but not required.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2246 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |