University of York

University of York

Master of Science in Zooarchaeology

The Master of Science in Zooarchaeology in Biology is offered by University of York.

Program Length: 2 YEARS.

Master of Science in Zooarchaeology offered by the University of York

Study animals from the past with the techniques of the future


Join the UK's only dedicated course in the archaeological study of animals.

Any consideration of the human past is incomplete without examining the essential roles that animals have played in our economies and societies. On this course you will study archaeological animal remains on a macro and micro scale to investigate what they tell us about how humans and other species have co-existed over the millennia. 

The scope of the course is global, equipping you with the knowledge and techniques to study the roles of animals in human societies from the Palaeolithic to the present and around the world. You will have the opportunity to select modules taught by leading academics in both traditional and biomolecular zooarchaeology, and options led by dedicated specialists in evolutionary anatomy, enabling you to master the latest analytical techniques and examine skeletal anatomy.

Course content
This course covers the practical skills, analytical techniques, and interpretative frameworks necessary to study the roles of animals in past societies from the bones and other remains that we find on archaeological sites.

Core modules and laboratory classes will provide you with a solid grounding in the essential tools of the zooarchaeologist's trade, while the option modules and dissertation allow you to explore and potentially specialise in a unique range of biomolecular and anatomical approaches. 

You will undertake a total of 180 credits. These will be made up of four core modules and four option modules. You will then hone your research skills by producing a dissertation and presenting an assessed lecture on your dissertation topic.

Modules

Core modules
Animal Bones for Archaeologists (20 credits)
Interpreting Animal Remains (20 credits)
Zooarchaeology 1: Identifying Animal Bones (5 credits)
Zooarchaeology 2: Exploring the Assemblage (5 credits)

Option modules
You will choose two 20-credit option modules from a wide variety available within the department, including:

Ancient Biomolecules (20 credits)
Ethnoarchaeology (20 credits)
Experimental Archaeology in Context (20 credits)
You will also be able to choose from certain modules from Hull York Medical School (HYMS) (eg Human Functional Anatomy and Musculoskeletal Biology). Please contact us if you have specific requirements.

You will also select two further 5-credit skills modules from a wide range including:

Geoarchaeology (5 credits)
Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)
Analysing Anatomical Variation I (based at HYMS)
Human Bone Practicals I (5 credits)



Locations where you can study Master of Science in Zooarchaeology en University of York


Schools where you can study Master of Science in Zooarchaeology en University of York

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