Environmental Archaeology

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This programme provides Masters level training in practical and academic aspects of environmental archaeology. The two year programme builds on over 35 years experience of research and consultancy at the Environmental Archaeology Laboratory, and provides students with the possibility for both specialist and generalist training. Students may tailor their education to particular needs through the choice of relevant core and external modules. The program also allows for considerable flexibility in the use of your own case study material as the basis for coursework, and includes at least one international exchange visit.

The Environmental Archaeology Masters programme is orientated towards those:

* aiming at a career in archaeology, environmental archaeology, palaeoecology, Quaternary science or related academic or professional subjects.
* wishing to supplement earlier studies with a strong proficiency package for excavations, analysis, interpretation and presentation of archaeological, environmental archaeological data
* wishing to learn transferable skills applicable to a broad range of laboratory-based, quantitative and qualitative subjects and professions.

The programme is strongly problem-orientated with an emphasis on the learning of transferable skills, with a basis in environmental archaeology, which can then be used in research or a professional career. Students will have access to a high-quality environmental archaeological laboratory and state of the art data sources.

See program plan on departmental website for more details.
SEMESTER 1

Environmental Archaeology, field and laboratory methods - 15 credits

Module 1. Field methods in environmental archaeology

Introduction to field methods in environmental archaeology

Basic concepts: sampling strategy, problem definition, multi-proxy analysis, project planning, communicating environmental archaeological ideas with archaeologists, an interdisciplinary approach, source criticism

Field work and group work

Module 2. Laboratory methods

Introduction to lab work in environmental archaeology

Basic concepts: taphonomy, taxonomy, species identification, analysis techniques, microscope work, microscope photography, the use of reference collections and keys, databases, lab routines, safety in lab environments, an interdisciplinary approach

Method development & evaluation

Own laboratory work, presentation and assignment

Environmental Archaeology, theories and methods advanced studies - 15 credits

Philosophy of science, scientific method

Interdisciplinarity

Basic statistics

Climate and environmental change

Environmental archaeology in archaeological research and consultancy

Societal relevance

SEMESTER 2
Presenting Environmental Archaeology - 7.5 credits

Environmental Archaeological research results will be used as study material in order to teach students to:

Write reports and scientific texts

Manage and present quantitative data and results

Plan, design and carry out digital presentations (PowerPoint)

Produce a poster for a conference/workshop

Actively participate and get more out of seminars

Evaluate and review the work of others

GIS for Environmental Archaeology and Archaeology - 7.5 credits

Basic concepts, project design, problem solving with GIS, surveying

Spatial and chronological data management, geodatabases, mapping, interpolation, analysis, interpretation

Visualization and presentation of spatial and chronological data

Project/dissertation - 15 credits

Advanced method studies: specialization or generalization (e.g. specialization in the analysis of plant macrofossils or fossil insects; a detailed study of fundamental theories and methods in environmental archaeology or combinations of methods)

Individual lab work

Essay/report

SEMESTER 3
Specialist path E.g. archaeobotany, geoarchaeology, palaeoentomology, palynology

Note: This path(or equivalent) is compulsory for continuing to semester 4!

Optional/elective courses 15 credits

External or internal in environmental archaeology; or internship/work placement

Method specialism 15 credits

Detailed studies in a (few) method(s) (insects/pollen/macrofossils/
geoarchaeology...) as independent work.

Generalist path

Optional/elective courses 30 credits

Either outside of or within environmental archaeology, and/or internship/work placement.

Example courses:

Botany/Entomology/Biology

Quaternary geology/palaeoecology

Geology/Earth Sciences

Statistics/Advanced GIS

Project management/planning

SEMESTER 4
Note: the 3rd semester specialist path or equivalent is required before admission to this semester.

Independent work/Thesis 30 credits

Lab work, literature studies, analyses

Thesis or equivalent

A Bachelor's degree within aechaeology, environmental archaeology, geology, physical geography, or its equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section). Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 5.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 530 TOEFL iBT® test: 72