Students
AHIS3302 – Laboratory Methods of Archaeology
2021 – Session 1, Fully online/virtual
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Primary Convenor / Primary Contact
Prof. Ronika Power
Contact via Email
25WW B113
By appointment only: contact via email
A/Prof. Yann Tristant
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(AHIS190 or AHIS1300) and 20cp at 2000 level
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit covers the range of laboratory principles and methods used in archaeology for the description, analysis and critical appraisal of artefacts, features and sites. Through theoretical instruction and practical demonstrations in on-campus laboratories, students learn how the different experts involved in an archaeological project carry out laboratory analyses and artefact studies on archaeological sediments, items of material culture, and plant, human and animal remains using scientific approaches (for example, X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, Electron microscopy, Gas chromatography, etc). |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Acquire knowledge of of the principles of archaeological techniques and methods in a laboratory-environment
- ULO2: Apply knowledge of archaeology while participating in scientific practical experiences
- ULO3: Communicate with other team members about strategies for study and analysis of archaeological objects
- ULO4: Analyse archaeological features and materials (pottery, architecture, metal, bone, and ivory objects) at an advanced level
- ULO5: Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- ULO6: Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce critical analytical reports
General Assessment Information
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE UNIT
To complete the unit successfully you need a minimum mark of 50% overall. You must attempt every piece of assessment or university policy requires that a zero grade be given.
GRADES:
F: 0-49% P: 50-64% CR: 65-74% D: 75-84% HD: 85-100%
LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS - PENALTY
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON FINAL MARKS
Please note with respect to the marks you receive for work during the session: grading decisions for each assessment task will be moderated against the set criteria and standards before task results are released.. See further the note on Results in the Policies and Procedures section below.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Quiz 1 | 20% | No | Week 4: Quiz opens 5pm Wednesday 17.03.21 |
| Research Essay | 30% | No | Week 7: 5pm Friday 23.04.21 |
| Online Quiz 2 | 20% | No | Week 10: Quiz opens 5pm Wednesday 12.05.21 |
| e-Portfolio | 30% | No | Week 13: 5pm Friday 04.06.21 |
Online Quiz 1
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Week 4: Quiz opens 5pm Wednesday 17.03.21
Weighting: 20%
Answer 10 short questions based on the seminar content and readings
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of of the principles of archaeological techniques and methods in a laboratory-environment
- Apply knowledge of archaeology while participating in scientific practical experiences
- Analyse archaeological features and materials (pottery, architecture, metal, bone, and ivory objects) at an advanced level
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce critical analytical reports
Research Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 44 hours
Due: Week 7: 5pm Friday 23.04.21
Weighting: 30%
Your answer to the essay question should demonstrate extensive use of primary and secondary sources. Your essay should be based on an analysis and discussion of primary (ancient) sources. Secondary literature should be used to aid you in your analysis and interpretation of the ancient sources and to place your interpretation within the context of previous scholarship. All opinions included in the essay, whether quoted directly or paraphrased, should be referenced according to the standard guidelines for the Department of Ancient History.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of of the principles of archaeological techniques and methods in a laboratory-environment
- Apply knowledge of archaeology while participating in scientific practical experiences
- Communicate with other team members about strategies for study and analysis of archaeological objects
- Analyse archaeological features and materials (pottery, architecture, metal, bone, and ivory objects) at an advanced level
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce critical analytical reports
Online Quiz 2
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Week 10: Quiz opens 5pm Wednesday 12.05.21
Weighting: 20%
Answer 10 short questions based on the seminar content and readings
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of of the principles of archaeological techniques and methods in a laboratory-environment
- Apply knowledge of archaeology while participating in scientific practical experiences
- Analyse archaeological features and materials (pottery, architecture, metal, bone, and ivory objects) at an advanced level
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce critical analytical reports
e-Portfolio
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 13: 5pm Friday 04.06.21
Weighting: 30%
Working individually, produce a short multimedia piece. This piece provides an opportunity to express your learning experience in a personalised, creative way.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of of the principles of archaeological techniques and methods in a laboratory-environment
- Apply knowledge of archaeology while participating in scientific practical experiences
- Analyse archaeological features and materials (pottery, architecture, metal, bone, and ivory objects) at an advanced level
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce critical analytical reports
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Consult the Unit's iLearn site for weekly updates on delivery and resources.
Unit Schedule
Due to Special Circumstances, students are asked to consult the Unit's iLearn site for weekly updates on the Unit Schedule.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 21/05/2021 | Edited to reflect Faculty of Arts Moderation Policy (21.05.2021). |
Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook