Students

AHIS3302 – Laboratory Methods of Archaeology

2021 – Session 1, Weekday attendance, North Ryde

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:

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