ME3105 Archaeological Methods

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof T C Dawson

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

T Dawson, J Hambly and S Boyd

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module explains modern archaeological methods, introducing the techniques available to researchers for investigating archaeological sites. The module will demonstrate how successful projects combine a range of disciplines, including archival research, scientific analysis and the digital recording techniques. The module will use real examples from local sites in and around St Andrews, and will combine classroom learning and practical sessions. The aim is to make students familiar with techniques and methods that are applicable around the world. Students will learn how to plan and organise archaeological projects, preparing them to pose research questions and develop projects that employ the appropriate techniques.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS AT LEAST 60 CREDITS FROM {ME1003, ME1006, ME2003, HI2001, MH2002} OR PASS AT LEAST 60 CREDITS FROM {AN1002, AN2002, AN2003, CL2004}

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

4,000- word essay = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

11 x 2-hour seminar, plus 5 x 2-hour practical session

Scheduled learning hours

32

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

268

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Develop skills in analysing evidence from multiple sources
  • Develop skills necessary to pose archaeological research questions
  • Gain knowledge and practical experience of the techniques needed to undertake archaeological investigation