Archaeology: the science of investigation
On this page
|
|
|
|
|
| End-of-course assessment | No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
Archaeology – the science of investigation is one of a series of short, flexible 10-point courses introducing fascinating topics in science. You'll develop an appreciation of the processes involved in the discovery, investigation and interpretation of artefacts and archaeological sites, and apply scientific techniques used in the field and laboratory. The course enables you to try out a new area of study before you commit yourself to a longer course, or top up your knowledge and skills between longer courses. It has a choice of start dates, and you decide how long to take over your studies: eight to ten weeks, or up to five months.
Course content
Archaeology is about reconstructing the physical past to obtain an understanding of how different civilisations and cultures have developed over time. You’ll learn how scientific information can provide archaeologists with new insights into how various aspects of societies and cultures may have evolved.
You’ll achieve this by investigating a series of case studies within four main topics:
- reading the archaeological landscape
- from bog bodies, skeletons and mummies to forensic archaeology
- making sense of materials – insights into ceramics, stones, metals, food and textiles
- our archaeological heritage – protecting finds for the future.
Within each of these topics, you’ll be introduced to new scientific ideas and concepts as you need them and consider different ways of communicating the results effectively. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a greater awareness of the role of scientific investigation in archaeology and how it provides new insights into the evolution of past cultures and societies. You’ll also develop a range of study skills associated with finding, interpreting and communicating different forms of information.
The course is based around two books: a specially written OU study book and parts of Archaeology: An Introduction by Kevin Greene. There is also an interactive DVD containing the case studies, and a course website, which will link to an active archaeological dig. The study book will guide you through specific sections of the course book and DVD, and provide questions and activities to help test your understanding and appreciation of different scientific, social and cultural aspects of archaeology. You will need to be prepared to work between the different learning resources and advice is provided on how to do this whilst managing your study time effectively.
This course has been produced in partnership with the British Museum and York Archaeological Trust.
Entry
This is one of the science short courses that has the most advice on study skills, so it’s particularly suitable for students new to distance learning.
It’s designed for people who are new to the subject areas, and although a little basic knowledge of general science would be useful, all you need is an interest in archaeology and the motivation to discover much more about the scientific techniques used in archaeological investigations. You’ll have to be prepared to understand some basic science, e.g. physics and chemistry, in order to do this. If you’re an amateur archaeologist, or have read popular books on the subject, you will find the course develops your understanding and introduces topics that you have not met before. Mathematically you need only to be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide simple numbers. The structured teaching will take you to a level at which you are happy to use maths as a tool in a range of scientific contexts. To cope with the printed material, you should be able to understand in outline the sort of articles printed in ‘quality’ newspapers, and you should be able to write your thoughts down comprehensibly.
You can check that you have the appropriate background by trying out the interactive quiz Are you ready for science study?
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Qualifications
SA188 is an optional course in our:
- BSc (Honours) Geosciences (B25)
- BSc (Honours) Molecular Science (B26)
- BA (Honours) Humanities (B03)
- Certificate in Contemporary Science (C70)
- Certificate of Higher Education in Humanities (C98)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Analytical Sciences (E53)
- Foundation Degree in Analytical Sciences (G15)
It can also count as 10 points towards an Open University bachelors degree. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Some of the printed course materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Large print versions of the course material can be provided on request. Other alternative formats of the course materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability. If you have severely impaired sight you may find the course challenging, as it relies heavily on coloured images. A large proportion of the course is based on educational software, delivered on DVD-ROM, which must be studied in order to complete the course. You will need to make considerable use of a personal computer.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting your needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
OU study book, Archaeology: An Introduction by Kevin Greene, DVD-ROM of case studies, study guide, course website and maths skills ebook.
You will need
A basic scientific calculator; a digital camera or scanner.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Study support
You can telephone or email a study adviser, who will be able to help you with academic questions to do with the course and the assessment. There will also be an online discussion forum that you can use to get in touch with study advisers and other students.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online TMA system to submit your end-of-course assessment (ECA).
For each course presentation there is a choice of two alternative dates by which you have to submit the single piece of written work for assessment: February course start completes end of April or end of July; May start completes end of July or end of October; September start completes end of October or end of January; November start completes end of January or end of April.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The course starts in February, May, September and November of each year.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Science.
Study explained
- Course
- - a module of study that can count towards a qualification.
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Student Reviews
As a humanities student with a scientific background and a strong interest in ancient history, I expected to love this ...
Read more
Another great course from the OU. Having a basic background in archaeology I was surprised how challenging I found this ...
Read more
Course satisfaction survey
See the satisfaction survey results for this course.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
Browse the prospectus
Request a print prospectus
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.