Module overview
The module comprises 2 sections; the first considers the current theoretical and methodological developments within palaeopathology and bioarchaeology, whereas the second portion comprises development of detailed skeletal and palaeopathological methods, knowledge and understanding. The topics considered in the seminar portion of the module will vary depending upon the research interests and foci of the academic staff, and will always be fully linked to major current research topics in palaeopathology and bioarchaeology.
Linked modules
ARCH6126
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- undertake palaeopathological analyses and the methods for differential diagnosis of skeletal disorders and pathology
- pose and tackle archaeological questions using skeletal and pathological data
- use skeletal remains as a resource for studying past variability in heath and disease, but also in diet and subsistence, social structure and organisation, speciation and extinction, ideology and religious belief, and population history and migration
- pose and tackle archaeological questions using skeletal data
- critique specific techniques and methods of palaeopathological analysis
- integrate theoretical issues and archaeological questions with empirical data derived from bioarchaeology
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the varying theoretical approaches to the analysis of human skeletal (and especially pathological) remains
- the evaluation of results of analyses and studies
- the critique of data and the interpretations derived from such data
- the ethical issues surrounding working with human remains who experienced disease processes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- undertake analysis and presentation of skeletal data including differential diagnoses (suitable for publication)
- demonstrate awareness of ethical issues regarding aspects of disease
Syllabus
The organisation of the syllabus will vary from year to year depending upon staff availability. The following topics will normally be included:
Palaeopathology as a modern scientific discipline
Disease & the osteological-paradox
Diagnosing disease in palaeopathology
Identification and scoring of joint disease
Roles of human osteologists in a commercial environment
Skeletal trauma
Metabolic Disease
Infectious Disease
Differential diagnosis, quantification and statistical analyses in palaeopathology.
Themes to be covered in the seminars will be based upon the latest issues in bioarchaeology & palaeopathology research, but will commonly include some of the following:
Urbanisation, the Industrial Revolution, social inequality & disease
Health and Well-being
Diet & disease interactions
Bioarchaeology of disability & care
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching sessions will comprise lectures, guided practicals and student-led group seminars.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 6 |
Practical classes and workshops | 6 |
Independent Study | 126 |
Seminar | 12 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Agarwal, S.C. and Glencross, B.A. (eds.) (2011). Social Bioarchaeology. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Larsen, CS (2015). Bioarchaeology. Cambridge: CUP.
Buikstra, J. E. and Beck, L.A. (eds.) (2006). Bioarchaeology. London: Academic Press.
White, T.D.; Black, M.T. and Folkens, P.A. (2012). Human Osteology. London: Academic press.
Aufderheide, AC & Rodriguez-Martin, C (1998). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Human Paleopathology. Cambridge: CUP.
Ortner, DJ (2003). Identification of Pathological Conditions in Human Skeletal Remains. New York: Academic press.
Katzenberg, M.A. and Saunders, S.R. (eds) (2008). Biological Anthropology of the Human Skeleton. New York: Wiley-Liss.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Academic poster | 60% |
Coursework and lab reports | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Academic poster | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal