Zooarchaeology

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This is a new course, which ran for the first time in 2000-1. It builds on the expertise and experience of staff in the Department, and on the important position that York holds in zooarchaeology research. It is intended for graduates in archaeology and anthropology who wish to further their study of the archaeology of the relations between people and other animals, and for graduates in disciplines such as biology, geography and geology who wish to extend their studies into a specialised area of archaeology.

The purpose of the course is to give a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of the archaeological study of vertebrate animal remains. It builds on the expertise and experience of staff in the Department, and on the important position that York holds in zooarchaeology research. The course is intended for graduates in archaeology and anthropology who wish to further their study of the archaeology of the relations between people and other animals, and for graduates in disciplines such as biology, geography and geology who wish to extend their studies into a specialised area of archaeology.

In completing the course, you will:

* Gain a thorough grounding in all aspects of vertebrate zooarchaeology, including general aspects that are applicable to invertebrate zooarchaeology
* Have experienced the processes of data collection, analysis, and interpretation, both in principle and in practice.
* Have developed the confidence to undertake the critical review of published work in zooarchaeology, from all periods and from all parts of the world.

Upon completion of the course, students should:

* Have studied the vertebrate skeleton, its evolutionary origins, and its adaptations
* Have undertaken the identification and recording of archaeological bone assemblages
* Have reviewed the field of taphonomy and the practical recognition of the taphonomic 'imprint'
* Have studied and undertaken the numerical analysis of zooarchaeological data
* Studied pertinent aspects of the biology and ethology of a range of vertebrates
* Reviewed and assessed published work from throughout the world, including hunter-gatherer and agrarian sites, and socially complex societies
* Have completed both a short, collaborative practical project, and a longer dissertation project of individual research

MODULAR STRUCTURE

Autumn and Spring Terms

Compulsory modules:

* Postgraduate core course (10 c.u.)

Autumn Term

Compulsory modules:

* Ethology & economic biology (5 c.u.)
* Bone identification & recording (5 c.u.)
* Comparative skeletal anatomy (10 c.u.)
* Taphonomy (10 c.u.)
* Interpretation in Zooarchaeology I (10 c.u.)

Spring Term

Compulsory modules:

* Data analysis (10 c.u.)
* Interpretation in Zooarchaeology II (10 c.u.)
* Interpretation in Zooarchaeology III (10 c.u.)
* Practical Project (5 c.u.)
* Planning & publication (5 c.u.)

Summer Term and Summer Vacation

Compulsory modules:

Dissertation (90 c.u.) Total credits:180 credits for MSc

Entry RequirementsApplications are welcomed from graduates with a good honours degree in Archaeology or Anthropology, or in a related field. Graduates in a biological subject will also be considered, as will mature students who might not have conventional qualifications but can show appropriate relevant experience. Most applicants are interviewed, unless living or working overseas.English Language Requirements The University's absolute minimum English language requirements are: * IELTS: 6.0 (in the 'Academic' test) * IELTS:6.5 with at least 6 in Writing and Speaking * TOEFL: paper-based 550/ computer-based (CBT): 213/ internet-based (iBT): 79 * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A, B, C * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A)