Basic Aspects of Science applied to Archaeometry

Code: QUI13479M

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Geology, Chemistry

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Sustainable Development Goals

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Learning Goals

This course aims to provide ARCHMAT students coming from a Humanities academic background (archaeology, Conservation, Art History) with the basic principles in Chemistry (including Biochemistry), Geology (Petrography and Mineralogy), Physics (Properties of the Matter, Electromagnetic Radiation) needed for them to understand the scientific methodologies and techniques used in archaeometry research field

- Basic concepts of chemistry and biochemistry: Atoms and molecules; chemical nomenclature and states. Atomic Orbitals. Electronic configuration. Elements, compounds and mixtures: classification of matter. Chemical equilibria and bonding. Introduction to Periodic Table of elements. Chemical reactions: Acid/base, Redox reactions. Introduction to chemical kinetics. Principles of organic chemistry. Proteins and Carbohydrates. Fermentation Processes.
- Basic concepts of Physics.Physical properties of matter. Electromagnetic radiation; light, UV, IR, X-rays: nature and properties. Anthropogenic or natural radioactivity as archaeological signature and/or clock.
- Basic Concepts of Geology: the rock cycle. Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentary Rocks. Basic Principles of petrography and mineralogy.

Teaching Methods

Teaching for the course is through frontal lectures and Laboratory practicals, .
Grades will be based on questionnaires (40%), laboratory exercises (25%); a term paper (30%); and an oral presentation of the term paper topic (5%).