Bi2727 Reconstructing human life-histories using isotopic approaches

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2022
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Taught in person.
Teacher(s)
Kévin Alexis André Salesse, M.Sc., Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Kévin Alexis André Salesse, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Department of Anthropology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Kévin Alexis André Salesse, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Anthropology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Tue 12:00–15:50 Bp1,01007
Prerequisites
No pre-requisites.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
The capacity limit for the course is 40 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/40, only registered: 0/40, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/40
Course objectives
This course aims to introduce students to some of the most commonly used methodologies in bioanthropology for the reconstruction of human life-histories, through a series of topics and related case studies. Focusing on how to retrieve information from biological materials, we will explore the interdisciplinary nature of bioarchaeology, by borrowing techniques from osteology, analytical chemistry, geochemistry, as well as many other fields.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, a student will be able to understand the ins and outs of isotope studies in bioarchaeology.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the course (13/09/22 - From 12:00 to 1:50 pm)
  • 2. Basic principles of archaeo-biogeochemistry (20/09/22 - From 12:00 to 1:50 pm)
  • 3. Reconstructing past dietary practices: established and cutting-edge approaches (04/10/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
  • 4. Dietary patterns: a lens to address biocultural interactions (04/10/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
  • 5. Investigating past mobility and migration: An isotopic overview (18/10/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
  • 6. Mobility, kinship, and population genetics: A synergy (18/10/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
  • 7. Big data approaches for big pictures: A change of scale in isotopic studies (01/11/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
  • 8. Interpreting past human diets using stable isotope mixing models (01/11/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
  • 9. Isotope mapping and its applications (15/11/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
  • 10. Applications of isotopic approaches to forensic anthropology (15/11/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
  • 11. Contribution of isotopic analysis to the archaeology of cremation (29/11/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
  • 12. Science communication in isotope research (29/11/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
  • 13. Synthesis of isotope research in the Czechia (13/12/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
  • 14. Final examination (13/12/22 - From 12:00 to 3:50 pm)
Teaching methods
Bi-weekly lectures (except for the first two courses) using Powerpoint presentations. Each course will last 4 hours.
Assessment methods
For each session of lectures, a batch of scientific articles will be read and analyzed by the students. During the semester, each student will have the opportunity to orally present his or her analysis of scientific articles using a Powerpoint slide show. An unessay related to science communication in isotope research will be presented by each student. A collective compilation of data will be carried out. The course will be concluded with a written exam. To pass the final exam successfully the student must prove good knowledge of the issues discussed during lectures and in the required reading.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2023, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2022, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/autumn2022/Bi2727