GIS for environmental archaeology and archaeology, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Environmental archaeology data have geographical, chronological and human dimensions which are a prerequisite for our knowledge of past human activities, landscapes and environments. The analysis of these dimensions requires an understanding of the manipulation and evaluation of these data and their relationships. This course will allow you to learn aspects of the management of geographical databases along with a number of analysis and visualisation techniques. The Environmental Archaeology Lab's own research and the Strategic Environmental Archaeology Database SEAD will provide material for case studies along with other digital map services and geodatabases. 

Expected learning outcomes

On completion of this course, students will be expected to be able to: 

Knowledge and Understanding:  

• Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of Geographical Information Systems 

Skills and Abilities:  

• Use GIS and related software to solve problems in environmental archaeology 
• Design a basic databases for environmental data which can be analysed through GIS 

Judgement and Approach:  

• Analyse, draw conclusions from and present spatio-temporal palaeoenvironmental data using GIS 

Required Knowledge

Univ: 90 ECTS courses in archaeology, environmental archaeology, geology, environmental chemistry, physical geography, or its equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies. 

Form of instruction

The course will be based on a series of introductory lectures and group seminars along with guided and independent practical work. Case studies from either published scientific articles, reports or databases will be used as the basis for learning practical aspects of GIS, with a focus on problems in environmental archaeology.  

Examination modes

Examination will be through assessed presentations, compulsory seminar attendance and participation and a written paper. On the course as a whole, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). In order to pass the course as a whole, all mandatory parts must be passed as well. The final grade of the course is a summary assessment of the results and decided only after all mandatory parts are passed. 

Students who fail the examination have a right to retake the examination within two months after the first examination, but not earlier than 10 working days after the results from the original examination has been given to the students and a copy of the exam has been made available. A For tests conducted during the months of May and June, the first re-test may be offered within three months of the regular test. In addition, at least one more re-examination must be offered within one year of the regular exam. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.  

The examiner can decide to adapt the form of examination, specified in the syllabus, to accommodate a student's needs. Individual adaptation of the form of examination should be considered according to a student's needs. Any change to the form of examination must be made within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request it from the institution responsible for the course no later than 10 working days before the examination. It is the examiner who decides on the adapted examination and then notifies the student. 

Other regulations

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies. 

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.