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 (including learning to work with Open Science databases and source code) 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. formulate and integrate the application of environmental sciences, archaeology, and historical and social disciplines;
2. investigate basic principles derived from physical sciences in natural systems to archaeological research design and data interpretation;
3. negotiate the importance of the research context of key developments in archaeological science as a discipline;
4. construct a plan to investigate archaeological deposits using a range of techniques for recording and disseminating the results of excavation and analysis;
5. critique and adapt basic field contextual analysis and assessment of archaeological sites within holistic frameworks bridging biological, chemical and physical sciences, and archaeology; and
6. devise and evaluate methods of how environmental and archaeological sciences are portrayed in the media and through public outreach.

Required Resources

Useful general reading:

Brothwell, D.R. and Pollard, A.M. (Eds.) 2008. Handbook of Archaeological Sciences: Chichester: Wiley and Sons Ltd.

Evans, J. and O’Connor, T. 1999. Environmental archaeology: Principles and Methods, Stroud: Sutton Publishing Ltd.

Lowe, J.J. and Walker, M.J.C. 1984. Reconstructing Quaternary environments, Edinburgh Gate: Longman Ltd.

Goldberg, P. and Macphail, R.I. 2006. Practical and theoretical geoarchaeology, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.

Matisoo-Smith, E. and Horsburgh, K.A. 2012. DNA for archaeologists, Walnut Creek: Left Coast Press.

O’Connor, T. 2000. The archaeology of animal bones, Stroud: Sutton Publishing Ltd.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, 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	Course overview Lecture: Introduction to Archaeological ScienceDiscussion: Pseudoarchaeology
2	Discussion: Graphical visualization Lecture: New statisticsActivity: Introduction to tidy data and jamovi
3	Discussion: Meta-analysisLecture: ArchaeobotanyActivity: Introduction to R 1.0; analyzing botanical datasets using R	Weekly quiz
4	Discussion: Interacting with archaeobotanical knowledgeLecture: ZooarchaeologyActivity: Introduction to R 2.0; analyzing faunal datasets with R	Weekly quiz, student presentation(s)
5	Discussion: Interacting with zooarchaeological knowledgeLecture: BioarchaeologyActivity: Analyzing bioarchaeological datasets using R	Weekly quiz, student presentation(s)
6	Public holiday on Friday	Deadline: Research paper (part 1), 5pm on March 27, 2024
7	Discussion: Interacting with forensic archaeologyLecture: Organic residue analysisActivity: Analyzing organic residue datasets using R	Weekly quiz, student presentation(s)Deadline: Field report, 5pm on April 17, 2024
8	Discussion: Interacting with organic residue knowledgeLecture: Isotopic analysis in archaeologyActivity: Dietary modeling using stable isotope datasets	Weekly quiz, student presentation(s)
9	Discussion: Rethinking isotopic research using estimation thinkingLecture: Palaeoclimate reconstructionActivity: Using open access climate databases	Weekly quiz, student presentation(s)
10	Discussion: Climate science in the newsLecture: Ancient DNAActivity: Analyzing ancient DNA datasets using R	Weekly quiz, student presentation(s)Deadline: Collaborative project, 5pm on May 8, 2024
11	Discussion: Ancient DNA in the newsLecture: Human evolution/comparative biologyActivity: Using R for spatial analysis	Weekly quiz, student presentation(s)
12	Discussion: Human evolution in the newsLecture: Human behavioral ecologyActivity: Grant application writing	Weekly quiz, student presentation(s)
13		Deadline: Research paper (part 2) at 5pm on May 31, 2024

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Weekly quizzes	20 %	*	*	1,2
Oral presentations	20 %	*	*	1,2,3,5,6
Original research paper (part 1)	10 %	27/03/2024	05/04/2024	1,3,4,5
Original research paper (part 2)	10 %	31/05/2024	*	1,3,4,5
Field report	20 %	17/04/2024	24/04/2024	4
Collaborative project	20 %	08/05/2024	*	1, 2, 3, 5

* 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
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• 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.

Assessment Task 1

Weekly quizzes

Quizzes will take place at the start of each class on weeks 3–12. Each student will be required to submit a question (due at noon the day before the quiz) and complete the quiz in class. This assessment will form 20% of the final grade (10% for submitting a question every week; 10% for performance on quiz).

Assessment Task 2

Oral presentations

Students will be required to give two presentations: one on public engagement (discussing how a chosen archaeological topic is displayed in the media) and one on data analysis (critically evaluating the analysis carried out in a chosen publication). Each presentation will count towards 10% of the final grade (7% for presentation and critical discussion; 3% for leading a discussion afterwards).

Assessment Task 3

Original research paper (part 1)

Students will be required to write an original research paper on the topic of their choice. The first part (due March 27, 2024) will consist of an introduction and meta-analysis of the chosen topic (800 words, not including bibliography). It will count towards 10% of the final grade. As a whole, the paper will allows the students to chose a science topic of their choice, apply the analytical techniques learned in this course, and critically assess outstanding research questions within the topic.

Assessment Task 4

Original research paper (part 2)

Students will be required to write an original research paper on the topic of their choice. The second part (due May 31, 2024) will consist of a fully fleshed research proposal or research paper on primary data analysis (2,000 words not including bibliography). It will count towards 10% of the final grade. As a whole, the paper will allow the students to chose a science topic of their choice, apply the analytical techniques learned in this course, and critically assess outstanding research questions within the topic.

Assessment Task 5

Field report

Students will be required to partake in an on-campus fieldwork intensive between April 1–5, 2024. They will subsequently be asked to write a report (2,000 words, not including bibliography). It will count towards 20% of the final grade. The training in this activity is designed to replicate real workplace outputs that would be prepared by archaeologists for dissemination to industry partners, museums and other interested parties.

Assessment Task 6

Collaborative project

The collaborative component will see the class work together on a topic and presentation format of choice (such as writing a publication together, designing a school activity day, or preparing a series of educational videos). This component will enable students to apply the concepts learned in this class while also gaining experience in professional collaborative research process and dissemination avenues. Students will be graded on: 1) participation and contribution to the project at every stage (5%); 2) collaborative effort (5%); and 3) completion/quality of their component (10%).

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.

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.

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 all ANU students