Guide in PDF format

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The course guide is provisional.

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Introduction to Biomolecular Archaeology

Code: 44484
Credits: 6

2026/2027

Degree programme	Type	Course
Prehistoric Archaeology	OP	1

Contact lecturer

Name :: Andre Carlo Colonese
Email :: andrecarlo.colonese@uab.cat

Teaching staff

: Carlos Tornero Dacasa
: Adria Breu Barcons
: Celia Diez-Canseco Esteban

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

No previous requirement

Objectives

The objective of this module is to introduce and train students to methods used in biomolecular archeology, as well as the technical and instrumental aspects associated with them. Special emphasis will be placed on the strategies for obtaining and sampling suitable materials (mainly bones, teeth and dental calculi, among others) for analyzes focused on amorphous and structured residues (proteins, lipids), stable isotopes and paleoproteomics. Likewise, the introduction to laboratory work and the use of common detection and measurement instruments used for the study of biomolecular archaeological materials will be addressed. The analytical results will be linked to problems around the determination of diet, human mobility, health, gender and social relations in general terms. In all cases, both the preparation of the required documentation and the health and safety protocols in the laboratory, at a theoretical and practical level, as well as the importance of avoiding the introduction of contaminating factors or elements, will be taken into account.

Learning outcomes

That the students can apply their knowledge and their ability to solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study.
That students have the learning skills that enable them to continue studying in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous.
Knowledge and understanding that provide a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and / or applying ideas, often in a research context.
Recognise and put into practice basic teamwork skills.
Design systematic research projects in methodologies of biomolecular analysis which take into account all dimensions of dissemination in prehistoric archaeology.
Use the main methods, techniques and instruments of biomolecular analysis in prehistoric archaeology.
Critically assess the value of the different analytic and instrumental tools involved in biomolecular research in prehistoric archaeology.
Analyse specific problems in different cases of prehistoric societies
Understand the process for solving specific problems and certain archaeometric techniques.

INTRODUCTION TO BIOMOLECULAR ARCHEOLOGY, including a brief history of the field, past and current developments, and future perspectives. Review of theoretical background and a variety of methods, techniques and applications in ancient biomolecular research. Introduction to the processes that induce the degradation and preservation of molecules in organic materials and of organisms in archaeological and environmental contexts.

INTRODUCTION TO STABLE ISOTOPES ANALYSIS in organic (proteins) and inorganic (carbonates) materials, with special emphasis on dietary, mobility and ecological/climatic applications.

INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC RESIDUE ANALYSIS, with a focus on the recovery and identification (structural, isotopic) of lipids from archaeological artifacts, osteological remains and sediments

INTRODUCTION TO PLANT RESIDUE ANALYSIS, with a focus on dietary and environmental reconstructions

INTRODUCTION TO THE ANALYSIS OF COLLAGEN PEPTIDE MASS FINGERPRINTING (ZooMS) AND PALEOPROTEOMIC for taxonomic identification of organic residues and fauna remains from archaeological and environmental contexts

Learning activities and methodology

Title	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
Research, reading texts, writing papers	66	2.64	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Casses on theoretical and methodological aspects of the subject	19	0.76	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Discussion and debate classes	17	0.68	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Tutorials and guided learning exercises	25	1	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Seminars with renowned researchers	9	0.36	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Directed activities:

- Introductory classes on the theoretical and methodological approaches of the subject.

- Discussion seminars

Supervised activities:

- tutorials and guided learning exercises (individual or in small groups)

Autonomous activities:

- search of documentation, reading of texts, writing of works, study

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title	Weight	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
Essays and oral presentations	70%	10	0.4	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Practical skill in class	30%	4	0.16	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Written exercises and project presentations
Completion of classroom practicals

Approximately 70% of this module is hands-on and conducted in the ICTA-UAB Biomolecules Laboratory. Students will gain practical experience in extracting collagen from modern and archaeological bone samples, alongside processing and interpreting stable isotope data. Marks are awarded based on laboratory performance and the preparation of a final report on the applied extraction protocol and data analysis.

• Alumnat d’intercanvis:

• Català: "Els estudiants d’intercanvi que demanin avançar un examen han de presentar al professor un document escrit de la seva universitat d’origen que justifiqui la seva sol·licitud".

• Castellà: "Los estudiantes de intercambio que soliciten adelantar un examen deben presentar al profesor un documento escrito de su universidad de origen que justifique su solicitud"

• Anglès: "Erasmus and exchange students who request to advance an exam must present a document from their home university justifying their request."

Bibliography

Richards, M.P. and Britton, K., 2020. Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.

Brown, T. A. and Brown, K., 2011. Biomolecular Archaeology: An Introduction. John Wiley & Sons.

Richards, M. P., 2020. Isotope Analysis for Diet Studies,” in Richards, M. P. and Britton, K. (eds) Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Britton, K., 2020. Isotope Analysis for Mobility and Climate Studies,” in Richards, M. P. and Britton, K. (eds) Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Hendy, J., van Doorn, N. and Collins, M., 2020. Proteomics, in Richards, M. P. and Britton, K. (eds) Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Craig, O., Saul, H., Spiteri, C. 2020. Residue Analysis, in Richards, M. P. and Britton, K. (eds) Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Software

No specific software is necessary.

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching	Group	Language	Semester	Shift
(TEm) Theory (master)	1	Catalan/Spanish	second semester	morning-mixed