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This program - not offered at any other Australian University – equips you with the theory and skills required to undertake a scientific study of the past and present of humanity using Archaeology and/or Biological Anthropology perspectives. Students can tailor the program to their own training objectives, through hands-on experience with a variety of world-leading supervising specialists, materials, and fieldwork and laboratory resources. The Archaeological Science stream offers professionally-oriented training and the opportunity to focus on tailored independent research projects. By taking Biological Anthropology courses you will study humans and non-human primates as varied and dynamically changing biological organisms. You will explore primate evolution, ecology, behaviour and conservation; human evolution and behaviour; palaeopathology, bioarchaeology, and forensic archaeology/anthropology.

Learning Outcomes

• Clearly understand evolutionary processes as they relate to biological anthropology, and/or understand the theories, methods and practice of archaeological science;
• Apply scientific method in archaeological science and/or to paleontological and bioarchaeological specimens, morphological materials and/or primate behaviour and ecology;
• Understand how scientific techniques can be applied to archaeological and/or biological anthropological problems in the field, laboratory and written form;
• Critically analyse data and literature within the discipline of archaeological science or biological anthropology to reach independent conclusions; and
• Effectively communicate to others their knowledge of humankind’s place in nature and/or our past.

Specialisation: Environmental Archaeology and Climate Change
This is an Environmental Archaeology and Climate Change specialisation which focuses on the study of past environments including ancient fauna, flora and climate. Students will gain skills, knowledge, and training in: geomorphology and sedimentology, palynology, phytolith analysis, plant macrobotanicals, archaeozoology, climate change, cultural landscapes and palaeo-environmental reconstruction. Students are offered a broad grounding in archaeological and palaeoecological theory and techniques needed to pursue original research and/ or gain relevant professional skills in archaeology, cultural and environmental resource management, the environmental sciences and heritage management.