Master Bioarchaeology - Máster en Bioarqueología

Bioarchaeology covers the investigation of human and animal skeletal remains to understand the lives of individuals and communities in the past, in relation to their social, cultural, economic, palaeoenvironmental and evolutionary contexts.

A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:1 in a required subject

International entry requirements:
If English is not your first language you´ll need IELTS 6.0 (Academic) with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.

Animal bones and human remains are amongst the most common finds on archaeological excavations of all periods
The archaeological profession has an increasing need for staff with osteoarchaeological training, to assist in the interpretation of archaeological sites and understanding the human experience in the past, particularly their relationship with animals
Choose specialist optional units within the overall context of bioarchaeology, for example Applications of Zooarchaeological Science or Palaeanthropology and Palaeolithc Archaeology
Provides you with an excellent foundation if you want to pursue a career as a specialist osteoarchaeological practitioner, or pursue doctoral level study in bioarchaeology
Access to an incredible collection of skeletal remains, comprising more than 700 human specimens and over 500 reference skeletons of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles and specimens - one of the largest such collections to be held by any UK university.

Core units:

Principles & Methods in Human Osteology: This unit will introduce you to human osteology and the principles of analysis and interpretation involved in the study of skeletal remains of modern humans from archaeological and forensic contexts, focusing on the anatomy of hard tissues and related soft tissue structures and the principles and application of biological profiling from the skeleton. Specific characteristics covered include age at death, biological sex, stature, metric and non-metric variation. You’ll also gain an understanding of the differences between human and non-human animal bone.

Principles & Methods in Zooarchaeology: This unit provides a solid foundation in the principles and practice for identification of skeletal remains of mammals and birds and the recording and analytical methods currently employed in the study of animal bones from archaeological sites. You’ll also develop your knowledge of the principles and scope of zooarchaeological studies and an appreciation of how zooarchaeological data inform our understanding of past human societies and how animal bone studies are integrated with other aspects of archaeology.

Research Project: You’ll explore in detail core aspects of your subject area while developing methodological, research and presentation skills. You may develop a research paper suitable for publication in an externally recognised journal, or a dissertation.

Option units:

Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology: This unit covers the global record of hominin evolution from the divergence of the human lineage from that of the chimpanzees, until the end of the Pleistocene. You will explore the many lines of evidence which contribute to our understanding of the evolution of hominins and their relevance for understanding hominin evolution, earth sciences and ancient DNA to name a few

Applications of Zooarchaeological Science: On this unit you’ll develop advanced faunal identification skills and a firm foundation in the identification and interpretation of skeletal remains from a diverse range of taxa, including: large mammals; small mammals; amphibians and reptiles; birds; and fish. You’ll also explore case studies to promote your understanding of the potential applications of zooarchaeological science in order to investigate past human societies

Archaeology of the Dead: Disease,Decay and Funerary Interpretation: The unit considers changes that take place both during an individual’s life and after death that produce variations in the nature and appearance of the skeleton. Such sources of variation during life include disease processes and injuries affecting bone, whilst relevant post-mortem events include decomposition processes, changes caused by aspects of the burial environment and alteration by burning. Themes include demography, health and disease, care, violence and conflict, with subsequent consideration of funerary theory and archaeothanatology, informed by fundamental considerations of taphonomy and degradation.

Forensic archaeology is an expanding international field. Upon completion of the course you will join other BU graduates who are acknowledged as some of the most experienced forensic archaeologists in the field.

This will open up a wide range of career prospects for you, and you could end up work anywhere in the world examining crime scenes, mass graves & disasters and educating other researchers in new forensic science approaches.

There is an increased demand for archaeologists and the profession has been placed on the government list of skilled occupation shortages.