Archaeological Materials Science - Scienza dei Materiali Archeologici

Objectives The aim of the course is to introduce the student to the study of different types of biological remains from archaeological contexts, through extensive sessions of laboratory work under stereo- and light microscopes. Specific objectives - Knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire the knowledge of fossilization processes and identification methods of plant and animal remains, as well as criteria for selecting the most appropriate methods for the various applications. - Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire the ability to identify biological remains to support archaeological case studies. - Critical and judgmental capacities: The student will develop critical and judgmental skills by analysing case studies and defining appropriate biological methods for archaeological studies. These skills will be developed through interaction with the lecturer during the course. - Communication skills: The student will be asked to interact in the analysis of study materials and during the lectures to identify the appropriate biological methods in archaeological studies. - Learning skills: The student will acquire the theoretical and practical ability to apply the identification of fossil remains to archaeological interpretations so as to be able to replicate it to real case studies and for the formulation of project proposals.