Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit comprises a three-week international fieldwork experience that encompasses both field and laboratory components. Students undertake the archaeological excavation of sixteenth century plague burials, and perform requisite anthropological analyses of the excavated skeletal remains. Students are expected to develop and apply knowledge (or existing experience) in archaeological excavation, site mapping, human skeletal anatomy and/or physical anthropology, teamwork and research. An assessable report will evaluate how well students have understood the process and ensure they are equipped to produce professional reports in the future.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) apply appropriate methodologies in the location and excavation of human skeletal remains and associated material; (2) perform anthropological assessments of human skeletal remains as required; (3) write a professional scientific report that provides detailed site interpretations; and (4) understand the site within the global context in either archaeological, cultural or biological terms.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research essay; (2) completed field work and submission of associated notes/report; and (3) final report. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Daniel Franklin and Ambika Flavel
Unit rules
Advisable prior study
FNSC5611 Ethics and Research Methods in Forensic Science, FNSC5612 Forensic Anthropology I—Introductory Theory and Method, FNSC5614 Forensic Archaeology—Theory and Method, ARCY5101 Archaeological Survey, ARCY5103 Artefact Analysis
Approved quota: 16—students are to provide a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, and letter of recommendation to unit administrators, refer to— https://www.socialsciences.uwa.edu.au/ourresearch/cfa
- Applicants may be interviewed in order to be accepted into the unit, during this meeting coordinators will ensure prospective students fully understand all aspects of the unit.
Contact hours
3 weeks full-time international field work (150 hours)
Note
Additional fees apply to this unit.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.