MSc in Skeletal and Dental Bioarchaeology
Co-ordinator: Simon Hillson
Other Major Contributors: Tony Waldron, Anna Clement
This degree gives students a detailed background in the methods used to study bones and teeth in archaeology and physical anthropology. It provides a grounding in skeletal and dental anatomy, as well as an understanding of the histology of dental and skeletal tissues, morphological variations, and changes with age and/or sex. The degree also considers diseases that can be diagnosed from bones and teeth and the palaeoepidemiological insights we can draw from them. Students will learn procedures for excavating skeletonised human remains along with the standards used for recording them, and will have the opportunity to apply these methods to a small group of previously excavated skeletons and write a basic report. The degree focuses on the remains of Late Pleistocene and Holocene hominids (particularly anatomically modern humans, but including Neanderthals). There are no formal pre-requisites for students taking this course. This degree has strong links with the MSc in Forensic Archaeological Science which gives individual courses an interesting mix of participants and provides many opportunities for discussion.
Application Deadlines: There is no specific deadline for applications, but this course can fill up quickly so please submit an application as early as possible, for example by the end of March at the very latest. However, it is still worth applying after this date as numbers and timings of applications can vary. Please contact Lisa Daniel if you are submitting an application in mid March to ensure that there are still places available on the course. If the course is full you will be considered for a place on the waiting list for entry in 2013/14.
