3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

Over the past 50 years, archaeological science (or Archaeometry) has become an increasingly important subfield within the wider discipline of anthropological archaeology. Analytical approaches to archaeological materials including ceramic, stone, metal, bone, and plant remains have proven to be vital in archaeologists’ pursuit of piecing together the human past. This course is designed to familiarize students with the foundational principles of archaeological sciences including dating techniques, conservation sciences, and materials science approaches to artifact studies including optical petrography, X-ray fluorescence, mass spectrometry, stable isotope geochemistry, neutron activation analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Students will learn the fundamental science behind archaeometric techniques and their applications to anthropological and historical questions. Students will also obtain hands-on laboratory experience through required labs and an optional final project.