Sponsored by CLAS Fund for Innovative Education in Science

Archaeological and Forensic Science Lab Methods

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Archaeology and forensic science share many goals and techniques. Both disciplines strive to understand past events for which evidence is often sparse and fragmentary. Recent developments in scientific methods offer opportunities to fill voids in our understanding of archaeological sites, crime scenes, and the past events they represent. This interdisciplinary course introduces students to a wide range of lab methods taught as weekend modules. Enrollment for each unit is independent and students are not required to enroll in all modules, but should talk to the relevant instructor for details (see below).

The course will be taught to advanced undergraduate and graduate students as a series of six modules offered during the Spring semester of 2012. The modules include: Genetics I,II,III; Human Osteology; Micro-Botany and Microscopy; and Stable Isotope Analysis. Each module is worth one credit. Each module consists of 15 contact hours comprised of labs and lectures and takes place during a single weekend.

Enrollment is capped at 12 undergraduate students and requires the consent of the relevant instructor for each module.