2023
Basic aspects of science applied to archeology
Name: Basic aspects of science applied to archeology
Code: QUI12032L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Chemistry
Teaching languages: Portuguese, English
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
This course aims to bridge the gap between archaeology and science by integrating a
solid background in the physical and chemical aspects of the materials used in the
artefacts making, with an introduction to the scientific techniques used for their
analysis. More specifically, the course aims:
· To provide a wide-ranging and challenging introduction to the role of artefact
studies and materials analysis in modern archaeology.
· To encourage students to think about technology from an archaeological
informed perspective that focuses on how and why people make and use
artefacts and materials.
· To encourage an interdisciplinary approach to archaeological objects.
solid background in the physical and chemical aspects of the materials used in the
artefacts making, with an introduction to the scientific techniques used for their
analysis. More specifically, the course aims:
· To provide a wide-ranging and challenging introduction to the role of artefact
studies and materials analysis in modern archaeology.
· To encourage students to think about technology from an archaeological
informed perspective that focuses on how and why people make and use
artefacts and materials.
· To encourage an interdisciplinary approach to archaeological objects.
Contents
1. Basic concepts of physics and chemistry
1.1 Structure of matter: Atom, isotopes and molecules; chemical nomenclature
and formulas
1.2 Materials composition: major and minor and trace elements
1.3 Inorganic and organic materials- differences in chemical composition and
stability to burial
2. Archaeological materials
2.1 Lithics, rocks and stones chemical and mineralogical composition.
Identification of most used materials.
2.2 Clay and fired materials- structural clay materials and ceramics.
2.2.1 Chemical and mineralogical composition.
2.2.2 Physical and chemical alterations occurring during firing.
2.3 Sands and the production of glass
2.4 Pigments. Identification and characterization
2.5 Ores and Metals
2.5.1 Minerals, ore deposits and smelting
2.5.2 Metals and alloys degradation
2.6 Organic materials- nature and chemical composition
2.6.1 Ivory and bone
2.6.2 Amber and resins
2.6.3 Organic residues recovered from ceramics.
3. Dating archaeological materials.
1.1 Structure of matter: Atom, isotopes and molecules; chemical nomenclature
and formulas
1.2 Materials composition: major and minor and trace elements
1.3 Inorganic and organic materials- differences in chemical composition and
stability to burial
2. Archaeological materials
2.1 Lithics, rocks and stones chemical and mineralogical composition.
Identification of most used materials.
2.2 Clay and fired materials- structural clay materials and ceramics.
2.2.1 Chemical and mineralogical composition.
2.2.2 Physical and chemical alterations occurring during firing.
2.3 Sands and the production of glass
2.4 Pigments. Identification and characterization
2.5 Ores and Metals
2.5.1 Minerals, ore deposits and smelting
2.5.2 Metals and alloys degradation
2.6 Organic materials- nature and chemical composition
2.6.1 Ivory and bone
2.6.2 Amber and resins
2.6.3 Organic residues recovered from ceramics.
3. Dating archaeological materials.
Teaching Methods
Teaching for the course is through formal lectures, and laboratory sessions handling
sessions. The lectures, seminars and practical sessions will largely be conducted by
Évora University staff, with the addition of occasional guest speakers.
Grades will be based on quizzes (50%), laboratory exercises (25%); a term paper
(25%); and an oral presentation of the term paper topic (5%).
sessions. The lectures, seminars and practical sessions will largely be conducted by
Évora University staff, with the addition of occasional guest speakers.
Grades will be based on quizzes (50%), laboratory exercises (25%); a term paper
(25%); and an oral presentation of the term paper topic (5%).
Teaching Staff
