Course Catalogue

View Specification Document | Reading List

The Archaeological Digital imaging course develops students' practical skills in a variety of techniques used to document and analyse archaeological materials and provides the theoretical context necessary to critically evaluate applications and engage with current debates on the value of 'real things' and digital technologies. Techniques introduced include structure-from-motion imaging, reflectance transformation imaging, and manipulation of data from laserscanning and microCT imaging. Analytical methods include the manipulation of 3D model data, image and model interpretation, and metric analysis.

2x1 hr lectures; 4x1 hr seminars; 14x1hr workshops over 10 weeks.

Standard Entry to Masters at College Level

None

None

Final Project - 35% (Portfolio or digital media equivalent to 2500 words)

Final Lab notebook 35% (documentation of and reflection on lab work 1500 words essay)

Critical Review Essay - 30% (review of published projects; 2000 words) 

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course aims to:

■ Gain hands-on training in standard digital imaging techniques as applied in archaeology.

■ Develop practical skills in the manipulation of 3D and imaging data for presentation and metric analysis applications in archaeology.

■ Develop transferable skills in digital data analysis, digital data management, and web communication.

■ Review and assess applications of digital imaging in archaeology to build a knowledge base of the development of the technique and current practice.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Independently plan and execute simple to medium complexity projects using standard digital imaging techniques.

■ Evaluate a project, critically assess its requirements, propose appropriate techniques, and justify the proposed approach orally and in writing.

■ Produce a reasoned critique of an application of digital imaging in archaeology or heritage and propose alternative approaches.

■ Synthesize the outcomes of a project to communicate the results to public and specialist audiences, and evaluate the success of that communication strategy.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.