Environmental Archaeology: methods in theory and practice 30 credits

About the course

Traces of ancient human activity, as well as traces of environmental and climate change that have affected humans, can be studied using environmental archaeological methods. The course provides in-depth knowledge of environmental archaeological investigation methods and analytical techniques. Archaeobotanical analysis, insect analysis, pollen analysis and various chemical and physical analyses of soil materials are examples of the applied methods. Through practical fieldwork and laboratory work, both in groups and individually, different sampling strategies are practiced through soil material investigations and archaeological excavations.

The course also deals with the theories and methods on which environmental archaeology is based. The role of environmental archaeology in archaeological research and contract archaeology is discussed, as well as the possibilities of environmental archaeology in today's society. Through various case studies, a problem-based, interdisciplinary approach based on both theory and empirical data is conveyed.

The course consists of four modules:

Module 1. Environmental Archaeological Field Methodology 7.5 credits
The module focuses on environmental archaeological field methods through study visits, field investigations and sampling in the field. The students are introduced to different soil types and sediments as well as to documentation, sampling strategies and field analytical methods. The aim is to provide practical experience of how environmental archaeological material is identified, collected and handled as a basis for further analysis and interpretation.

Module 2. Theory and History of Research 7.5 credits
The module places environmental archaeological research in a historiographical context and relates environmental archaeological scientific methods to archaeological and other scientific traditions. Environmental archaeology is a subject that often uses scientifically based methods to address archaeological problems. The module provides insight into this interdisciplinary approach.
Module 3. Environmental Archaeological Laboratory Methodology 7.5 credits
The module includes laboratory-based analyses of the material and information collected during module 1, Environmental Archaeological Field Methodology. The focus is on the processing, analysis and interpretation of environmental archaeological data with the aim of reconstructing site activities, resource use and landscape development over time.
Module 4. Methods and Case Studies 7.5 credits
The module focuses on how methods from the natural sciences and the humanities can be integrated to address research questions. Examples are provided of various interdisciplinary case studies, including both older and current work at national and international levels. Critical review and discussion of the case studies are included.

Please note that the modules may be given in a different order or run parallel to each other during the course.

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Autumn 2027
- Environmental Archaeology: methods in theory and practice
  
  International admissions round
  
  HT27 / Umeå / English / On campus
  
  Apply
  
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  Starts
  30 August 2027
  
  Ends
  16 January 2028
  
  Number of credits
  30 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On campus
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-F130F
  
  Eligibility
  
  Univ: At least 90 credits in archaeology, environmental archaeology, geology, environmental chemistry, physical geography, earth sciences, history, anthropology, classical archaeology and ancient history, biology, environmental science or equivalent. English 6/level 2 and Swedish for basic requirements for higher education studies (if the course is given in Swedish).
  
  Selection
  
  Academic credits awarded by application deadline (HPAV 30-285 ECTS)
  
  Application
  Online applications are now open. Application deadline is 15 January 2027.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300
  
  Total fee: SEK 48,300
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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