Students

AHIS3302 – Laboratory Methods of Archaeology

2023 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Primary Convenor / Primary Contact
Prof. Ronika Power
ronika.power@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
25WW B113
By appointment only: contact via email
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above or (20cp in AHIS or AHST units 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. 

N.B. You must attempt every piece of assessment to pass this unit. In accordance with Clause 129 of the University Assessment Policy, non-submission of an Assessment Task will result in a FA grade - Fail Absent.

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 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of‚ 0 (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. 

This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as online quizzes, tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the Unit Convenor in a Special Consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic. 

No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments due to tardiness – 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; 13/03/23
Research Essay 30% No Week 7; 09/04/23
Online Quiz 2 20% No Week 10; 08/05/23
e-Portfolio 30% No Week 12; 28/05/23

Online Quiz 1

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Week 4; 13/03/23
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; 09/04/23
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; 08/05/23
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 12; 28/05/23
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

Please 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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Unit information based on version 2023.01R of the Handbook