Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond

Online Course

University of Reading

Future Learn

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Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond

What is the course about?
Prerequisites & Facts
Cost, Certificate & Degree
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What is the course about?

Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond

The course Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond is an online class provided by University of Reading through Future Learn. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Get an introduction to studying archaeology, exploring exciting discoveries in the Vale of Pewsey, near to Stonehenge and Avebury.

Course description

Chart the progress of an archaeological excavation from dig to lab and beyond.
2 weeks

We’ll show you around our field school at the Vale of Pewsey, a relatively untouched site compared to its famous neighbour, Stonehenge.
An excavation is more than just digging with a trowel. You’ll investigate how and where to dig, collect, record and store precious finds and take a closer look at what you can learn from a discovery once you’ve found it.
One of the most intriguing finds of all is a burial site and you’ll examine the archaeological methods employed in the study of the dead. How can you recreate the life, health and occupation of an individual just from their skeletal remains?

The transferable skills needed to be an archaeologist
Introduction to the Neolithic period
Planning an excavation
How does a dig work?
Storing, handling, recording and transporting artefacts
Introduction to the medieval period
Human bone analysis
Archaeological science: what can isotopes in bone tell us?
Museums: the ethics of storage and display

Explain how an archaeological dig works, from the planning stages, through excavation, to the analysis and storage of artefacts
Summarise the basic characteristics of all archaeological periods from the Mesolithic to the post-medieval period (c.8000 BC–AD 1900)
Describe the main ways in which archaeologists analyse human skeletons
Debate some of the key issues facing archaeology today
Understand the transferable skills you will acquire from studying archaeology

No prior experience of archaeology is needed. This course is designed for anyone interested in studying an archaeology degree at university. However, anyone with an enthusiastic interest in archaeology is very welcome to join us too.

University of Reading
The University of Reading has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise.

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Prerequisites & Facts

Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond

Course Topic

Ancient History, Archaeology, History

University, College, Institution

University of Reading

Course Skill Level

see course summary

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

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Degree & Cost

Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond

To obtain a verified certificate from Future Learn / University of Reading you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.

University of Reading

Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond

provided by Future Learn

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