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University of Sheffield: Human Bioarchaeology and Osteology

Institution University of Sheffield
Department Archaeology
Web http://www.sheffield.ac.uk
Telephone 0114 222 8030
Study type Taught

Summary

Satisfy your curiosity and understand people and populations of the past through the study of human skeletal remains. Learn the scientific techniques you’ll need to collect, analyse and present anthropological data as you contribute to the ever-evolving field of bioarchaeology.

Course description This course is designed to provide you with advanced research training in the scientific analysis of human skeletal remains within the context of archaeology, palaeoanthropology and forensic anthropology. It’s a great next step if you’re keen to build on your human anatomy and osteology knowledge from your undergraduate degree and prepare for an exciting career in the ever-evolving field of human bioarchaeology.

Practical work is a big part of the course. We’ll train you in a range of scientific analytical techniques and methods that are essential to answering key questions in bioarchaeology. You’ll cover radiography, histological and microscopic approaches, chemical and isotopic techniques, ancient DNA analysis, lipid analysis and proteomics.

Alongside this, you’ll develop a range of specialist skills that are needed in functional anatomy. We’ll teach you how to identify bones, how they function, how they vary based on sex and age, and how disease and injury can impact the human skeleton. You’ll also be trained to perform osteological analysis of human bones and learn how to analyse quantitative and qualitative anthropological data.

During your learning, you’ll have access to our extensive collection of archaeological specimens so you can hone your ability to identify, analyse and interpret human skeletal remains. You’ll get hands-on in our anatomy laboratory too, where you’ll have access to real human von Hagen plastinates and our full-size interactive digital Anatomage tables, allowing you to explore the human body layer by layer.

You’ll even have the chance to apply your new knowledge and skills during optional field trips and archaeological visits off-campus.

Your practical work will be complemented by lectures covering the development and theory behind bioarchaeology and osteology. Science communication training will form part of your learning, as you discover how to produce cutting-edge visuals and audio to communicate your research.

The biggest part of your course is your independent research project (dissertation). Here, you’ll spend three months researching an area of human bioarchaeology and osteology, ready for your future career. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the active archaeological research that’s being carried out in the school, whilst putting into practice the research methods you’ve mastered during your course.

Examples of past research titles include:

  • How accurate is skeletal sex assessment? Using ancient DNA data to test the accuracy of methods used in archaeology and forensic anthropology

  • To what extent can osteological evidence reveal tobacco use and its impact on respiratory health in the past

  • Are physical three-dimensional models as effective as real human bones when teaching skeletal anatomy?

The staff who teach this course bridge the gap between sciences and humanities, giving you the opportunity to learn about these two integrated approaches to this fascinating subject.

Gain extra experience We’re home to the Julia Garnham Centre, an NHS badged genomics facility, partnered with the Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust.

As a postgraduate student in the School of Biosciences, you'll have the opportunity to volunteer in the centre alongside your studies. You can work with NHS scientists and academics, learn how to diagnose genetic disorders such as cancer or rare inherited disease and get involved with NHS genomic research projects.

Please see our University website for the most up-to-date course information.

MSc

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