Analytical Techniques for the Study of Archaeological Contexts

Analytical techniques for the study of archaeological contexts are fundamental tools for understanding the dynamics of past societies and the interactions between humans and the environment. The learning objectives are aimed not only at providing practical skills in the use of the technologies, but also at developing a critical and interdisciplinary view of archaeological research.
1. Knowledge of the main analytical techniques: The first objective concerns the acquisition of a theoretical knowledge of the different analytical techniques used in archaeology. Students should be able to understand the scientific principles behind these techniques and their limitations.
2. Acquisition of practical skills: The next objective concerns the acquisition of practical skills in the use of analytical techniques. This includes both the collection and preparation of samples and the interpretation of the data obtained. Students must develop the ability to apply the techniques in real-life contexts.
3. Development of critical and interpretive skills: The use of analytical techniques is not limited to the simple application of scientific instruments, but involves a critical reading of data and information derived from the study of contexts. Students must be able to integrate scientific evidence with the historical and cultural context.

The expected learning outcomes result from the achievement of the learning objectives and provide for the development of a set of competences that the student should acquire at the end of the course of study:
1. Ability to use analytical techniques in an indipendent manner: the student should be able to choose and apply the most appropriate analytical techniques to solve specific archaeological questions, both in the laboratory and in the field activities.
2. Skills in archaeological data management: the student will acquire the capability to collect, analyse and interpret data by managing the information in a coherent and systematic way
3. Ability to communicate scientific results: another important outcome concerns the ability to communicate the results obtained through the analytical techniques. The student must be able to write clear and well-structured reports in which the methods used, the results obtained and the proposed interpretations are presented.