Description
Geophysical survey provides archaeologists with the ability to detect remains without excavation and is a key stage in the planning of field projects, or as a stand-alone research method in its own right.ÌýÌýThis module will cover the four main techniques used in archaeological geophysical survey: Earth Resistance, magnetometry, magnetic susceptibility and Ground Penetrating Radar.Ìý The course will cover the planning, execution, data processing, interpretation and publication of geophysical surveys.Ìý The course consists of a mixture of lectures, computing practicals and field practicals.ÌýÌýBy the end of the course students will be able to undertake projects of their own, and, importantly assess and critique published surveys.
The computing practicals will introduce the students to the main software packages including TerraSurveyor, GPR Slice, Google Earth and QGIS.
The field course will consist of two days in reading week at a site in Hertfordshire.Ìý Students will be expected to get themselves to site, usually by train from Kings Cross or St Pancras.Ìý Suitable clothing for the weather in mid-February will be required, and it is likely you will need to provide yourselves with a packed lunch.Ìý Additional experience working alongside the Community Archaeology Geophysics GroupÌýmay also be an option for those who wish to gain optional experience.
Formative assessments will be set based on the computing practicals.Ìý The final assessment is a project processing, analysing and writing-up the survey undertaken in April, to which will be added some additional data.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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