Scientific Methodology in Archaeology

Scientific methodologies, techniques, and approaches are becoming increasingly important in modern archaeology in general, and are at the heart of archaeological science in particular. This course will cover some of the basic material about the biotic and abiotic world that forms the framework in which research in archaeological sciences are carried out.

We will present topics that are core for understanding the archaeological record, including principles of evolution, ecological theory, dating methods, analytical techniques, stratigraphy, and taphonomy.

Archaeozoology

This is a follow-up Archaeozoology course where the study of birds, fishes, molluscs and small mammals will be used to expand the knowledge and skills gained during the 2nd and 3rd years of the Bachelor Archaeology programme.

New data generation and research methods will be addressed alongside more advanced aspects of the methods taught during the foundation courses of the bachelor. This will allow you to gain a more complete and specialised training in order to investigate a broad spectrum of faunal remains from archaeological sites and assemblages.

Osteoarchaeology

This is a graduate seminar in human osteology and paleopathology, designed to further knowledge about what human remains can tell us about the past.

This class is for students who already have comprehensive training in the identification and basic analysis of human skeletal remains. It will be necessary for students who are developing research topics for their Master’s theses in osteoarchaeology, and of value to students who want to acquire the knowledge necessary to undertake doctoral research that involves human osteology.

The course emphasises how the application of scientific methods and the integration of biological and archaeological evidence to research hypotheses can aid in enhancing our reconstructions of human history. Methods covered include biomechanics, joint disease, dental disease, and infectious disease.

Computational Archaeology

Computational archaeology involves the application of mathematics, statistics, and various other computerised techniques to solve archaeological problems. In this regard, good data analysis and computer scripting practices become necessary. In order to respond to the emerging needs of the discipline and build over the objectives of the "Quantitative Methods in Archaeology" course, the "Archaeological Science Specialisation Course: Computational Archaeology" further introduces essential statistical methods, such as regression analysis, principle component analysis, and correspondence analysis. We use Python to analyse real archaeological data.

Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. It is suitable for many applications, ranging from digital humanities to engineering. For instance, most common database structures can be connected to and managed by Python. The language is powerful in GIS applications; users can drastically enhance the capacity of their spatial data projects. Finally, using Python to develop machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to archaeological problems is common. The specialisation course introduces building blocks of programming, such as conditions and loops. Finally, we learn how to write Python functions assisting in archaeological data analysis.

• Hunter-gatherer Archaeology
• The Archaeology of Hominin Diversity

• Europe's First Millennium
• Key Developments in European Prehistory
• Archeologie en Erfgoed van Nederland

• West Asia and Eastern Mediterranean
• The Archaeology of Arabia

• Ancient Networks

• Americas