Zooarchaeology

MSc Zooarchaeology

Delivery method: Part-time
Course Reference: MSZA

Course Overview

Animal bones are amongst the most common finds on archaeological excavations of all periods. They can provide abundant information about past human populations, their behaviour and beliefs, diet economy and the natural world. MSc Zooarchaeology aims to provide practical skills and theoretical understanding essential for the interpretation of animal remains from archaeological sites.

The archaeological profession has a need for trained zooarchaeologists to help interpret archaeological sites and understand past human experience, particularly their relationship with animals.

The School of Conservation Science’s combined expertise in the study of animal remains, archaeology and osteology enables it to offer a course to meet this need.

The knowledge and understanding is set within the wider context and perspective of archaeological studies. The course also taps into the range of expertise from the Centre for Archaeology, Anthropology & Heritage and the Centre for Forensic Science.

Zooarchaeology recognises an established pattern within the profession and academia to specialise in one of two osteoarchaeological sub-disciplines: Animal or Human Remains.

Students experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods including zooarchaeology practicals, lectures, workshops, seminars, field trips and individual tutorials. Hands-on experience of analytical techniques and tools is an essential part of our learning programme and Information Technology skills and a professional approach underpin the course. Methods of assessment are also varied and address theoretical issues, practical problems and tasks likely to be encountered in the professional environment. Assessments include oral presentations, essays, practical identification tests and the preparation of specialist assessments and reports based on the student’s own analysis of animal bone assemblages. From this blend of teaching and assessment styles, students gain the confidence and skills to flourish in their chosen profession.

The School has a strong research-active academic community with collaborative links to other academic and professional institutions overseas and in the UK. It is part of European Union funded schemes such as Socrates- Erasmus, Tempus and Leonardo adding to the cultural diversity of the School and providing opportunities for overseas study.

Resources
The course is fully supported by extensive technical and scientific facilities available within the School of Conservation Sciences. These include dedicated research and analytical laboratories, with a wide range of instrumentation including a X-ray facility and Scanning Electron Microscope, workshops and layout rooms, a GIS and spatial information suite, map library and a postgraduate student computer laboratory. There are excellent zooarchaeological teaching and research facilities including extensive modern and archaeological skeletal collections of mammals, birds, and fish.