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Isotope analysis in bioarchaeology

Kévin Alexis André Salesse, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Isotope analysis in bioarchaeology

Kévin Alexis André Salesse, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Isotope analysis in bioarchaeology

Info

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 (19/09/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
2. Basic principles of archaeo-biogeochemistry (26/09/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
3. Reconstructing past dietary practices: established and cutting-edge approaches (03/10/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
4. Dietary patterns: a lens to address biocultural interactions (10/10/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
5. Investigating past mobility and migration: An isotopic overview (17/10/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
6. Mobility, kinship, and population genetics: A synergy (24/10/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
Break (31/10/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
7. Big data approaches for big pictures: A change of scale in isotopic studies (07/11/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
8. Interpreting past human diets using stable isotope mixing models (14/11/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
Break (21/11/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
9. Isotope mapping and its applications (28/11/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
10. Applications of isotopic approaches to forensic anthropology (05/12/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
11. Contribution of isotopic analysis to the archaeology of cremation (12/12/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)
12. Final examination (19/12/23 - From 8:00 to 9:50 am)

Assessment methods

During the first lecture (on 19/09/23), students agreed on the following assessment methods:

1. Each student will have the opportunity to orally present his or her analysis of scientific articles (n = 2) using a Powerpoint slide show. Guidelines will be provided in the Powerpoint slide show of the first lecture.
2. An unessay related to science communication in isotope research will be presented, individually, by each student. Examples will be provided in the Powerpoint slide show of the first lecture.
The student must present their paper assessment and unessay by the end of the year 2023.

Optional collective work

1. A compilation of the isotopic data will be made, collectively, throughout the semester, according to the IsoArcH standards. The IsoArcH form will be provided to the students.
2. Drafting a data article based on the gathered data for submission to Elsevier's Data in Brief journal, co-signed by all the students involved in this work.

Language of instruction