1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various digital methods that can be employed by archaeologists and how these methods can be adapted to account for differing project factors.
2. Reflect on the application of these digital methods to specific archaeological cases
3. Communicate and apply information and ideas effectively, including an appreciation of the different operating systems of the highlighted digital techniques

1. A critical assessment of a chosen digital technology and its use within archaeology (selected from a given list of those outlined on the module). (Learning outcomes Knowledge & Understanding, Reflection, Analysis, and Communication). (LO 1 and 2)

2. Submission of a practical notebook with notes, results and discussions undertaken on practical and workshop sessions throughout the module (Learning outcomes Knowledge & Understanding, Reflection, Learning, Analysis, Application, Communication) (LO 2 and 3)

Formative assessment opportunities are available throughout the module - structured class activities will allow students to discuss ideas introduced in the module and relate them to the module assessments providing them with the opportunity to self-evaluate their understanding of module materials. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to discuss their ideas for the module assignments and receive feedback on their plans.

The use of digital technologies in archaeology for recording, interpreting and presenting the past continuously develop in response to the increasing digitisation of our society. These various technologies have permeated every aspect of archaeology and have been adopted from other industries and disciplines to have become common place and an integral part of modern archaeological practice. These are used in multiple aspects of archaeological practice from initial project conception to final project evaluation.

On this module you will be taught theoretical knowledge and of techniques such as Digital Research, Aerial Survey, Geographic Information Systems, 3D modelling, geophysical survey, digital reconstruction and presentation. These interactions between these scientific techniques and the past will be discussed and evaluated- What is the purpose?, Who are the target audiences?, What are our ethical responsibilities? How and Why do we seek to develop our discipline? Several of these techniques will be demonstrated and background knowledge will be supported by introductory practical sessions.

Topics covered will include;

The rise of digital technologies in archaeology- data collection techniques and applications

Interactions between science and the past- what is the purpose, who are the target audiences, how do we seek to develop our discipline? How can cultural heritage can be better explored, answered and communicated through the use of digital technology? What current internet applications are available and how are we as archaeologists able to undertake research digitally?

Aerial survey- Photography, videography, LiDAR survey, drone survey

GIS and Google Earth and digitised mapping – Spatial analysis of sites and the use and limitation of these technologies

3D modelling, capture (laser scanning, structured light scanning and photogrammetry), production (data processing- accuracy and authenticity) end user models (3D printed and virtual modelling- VR). AI in archaeology- site identification through computer – based analytical methods

Geophysical and survey techniques – Magnetometry, Resistance survey, Ground penetrating radar survey, total station

Applications in fieldwork- case studies (virtual reconstructions, digital preservation, research dissemination- the use of digital archaeology to reach large and wide-ranging audiences and computer-based analysis of sites)

Archaeological Illustration - CAD and Illustrator. What is the purpose- demonstration and practical experience.

The production of online resources for interpreting the past- preserving the memory of our cultural past to mitigate the risks of possible damage or loss. Database design, implementation and management. The digital presentation of historical and archaeological collections- (digitised online museum collections and databases).

Reconstruction using digital interpretation- The appropriate use of digital technologies to recreate the past- Interpretation vs reality. An evaluation of the discipline benefits and criticisms

The use of digital technologies in archaeology for recording, interpreting and presenting the past continuously develop in response to the increasing digitisation of our society. These various technologies have permeated every aspect of archaeology and have been adopted from other industries and disciplines to have become common place and an integral part of modern archaeological practice. These are used in multiple aspects of archaeological practice from initial project conception to final project evaluation.

On this module you will be taught theoretical knowledge and of techniques such as Digital Research, Aerial Survey, Geographic Information Systems, 3D modelling, geophysical survey, digital reconstruction and presentation. These interactions between these scientific techniques and the past will be discussed and evaluated- What is the purpose?, Who are the target audiences?, What are our ethical responsibilities? How and Why do we seek to develop our discipline? Several of these techniques will be demonstrated and background knowledge will be supported by introductory practical sessions.

The module will be delivered through a combination of:

(a) Classes including lectures and seminars used to introduce theoretical concepts, explore case studies and a set of weekly readings will be used to critically discuss ideas published in recent journal papers.

(b) Workshop and practical exercises which will develop key skills required to complete the assessment and provide the basis of archaeological understanding of digital archaeology.

(c) independent learning through guided reading from core texts and the use of web-based materials to develop a detailed knowledge of selected at UK, European and global scales.

(d) Assessment Preparation for planning, researching, and writing

Daly, Patrick and Evans, Thomas. L, Digital Archaeology, bridging method and theory, 2006, Psychology Press

Forte, Maurizio and Campana, Stefana, 2018, Digital Methods and Remote Sensing in Archaeology: Archaeology in the Age of Sensing (Quantitative Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences), Springer

Greene Kevin and Moore, Tom 2010, Archaeology: An Introduction, Routledge

Marsh, Zoya, 2020, Digital Archaeology Current Techniques and Applications. Willford Press

Michel, R, 2016, The Future of Digital Archaeology, The institute for Digital Archaeology

Renfrew, Colin and Bahn, Paul, 2020, Archaeology, Theories, Methods and Practice. Thames and Hudson

Schofield, John, Carman, John and Belford, Paul, 2011, Archaeological Practice in Great Britain: A heritage

handbook. (World Archaeological Congress Cultural Heritage Manual Series) Springer

Watrall, Ethan and Goldstein, Lynne, 2020, Digital Heritage and Archaeology in Practice. Data, Ethics and Professionalism, University Press of Florida.

VLE to access on-line learning resources

High quality teaching space with usual audio-visual facilities.
Library resources both physical and online.

Computer room with ArchGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Google Earth

Geophysical Equipment (Centre of Archaeology)

Drones (Technical Services)

FARO laser scanner (Technical Services)

Structured Light Scanners (Centre of Archaeology and Technical Services)