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Biomolecular Archaeology
Unit information: Biomolecular Archaeology in 2013/14
Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information
for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Biomolecular Archaeology |
| Unit code |
CHEM30000 |
| Credit points |
10 |
| Level of study |
H/6
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
|
| Unit director |
Professor. Evershed |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department |
School of Chemistry |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Science |
Description including Unit Aims
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Appreciation of different types of biomolecules encountered in the archaeological record and their relative usefulness (proteins, resins, animal fats, waxes, etc.)
- Understanding of how biomolecular and isotopic signatures can be used to characterise degraded archaeological fats
- Familiarity with the biomolecular finger-prints of some common types of commodities encountered in the archaeological record
- Hands-on experience of the analytical protocols involved in the extraction and analysis of organic residues from archaeological pottery
- Theoretical understanding and practical experience of the technique of gas chromatography
- Appreciation of the various challenges (e.g. contamination; degradation) specific to the analysis of degraded organic residues
- Ability to interpret mass spectra of biomolecules commonly encountered in archaeological pottery
Teaching Information
One two-hour lecture a week. One-week practical session led by postgraduate student(s), to include preparation, analysis (via gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) and interpretation of organic residues extracted from archaeological pottery.
Assessment Information
Students will assessed by a practical report (summative 100%)
Reading and References
- Dudd, SN & Evershed, RP. Direct demonstration of milk as an element of archaeological economies. Science 282: 1487-81 (1998).
- Evershed, RP. Biomolecular archaeology and lipids. World Archaeology 25: 74–93 (1993).
- Evershed, RP. et al. Identification of animal fats via compound specific δ13C values of individual fatty acids: assessments of results for reference fats and lipid extracts of archaeological pottery vessels. Documenta Praehistorica 29: 73-96 (2002).
- Evershed, RP. et al. Chemistry of archaeological animal fats. Accounts of Chemical Research 35: 660-668 (2002).
