AEB_A16e Microscopy practice for archaeologists

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2023
Extent and Intensity
0/3/1. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. et Mgr. Ludmila Kaňáková Hladíková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. et Mgr. Ludmila Kaňáková Hladíková, Ph.D.
Department of Archaeology and Museology – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Jitka Šibíčková
Supplier department: Department of Archaeology and Museology – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Wed 10:00–11:40 S112
Prerequisites
Course is adequate for students of magister studies. It required advanced knowledge of individual artefact classes, and understanding the debate of its archaeological analysis.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 5 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 2/5, only registered: 1/5
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to practically educate students in operating of various types of microscopes for individual methods of analysis on the artefact surface.
Learning outcomes
After the course will absolved, student will able self-sufficiently and securely operate various types of microscopes and realise analyses including documentation.
Syllabus
  • 1. introduction to microscopy, parts and construction of microscope, configuration of microscope for individual analytical aims, introduction to work in laboratory and microscope operating, sampling, sample manipulation, cleaning and setting into right position
  • 2. determination of lithic raw materials by water-immerse method - identification of microfossils in silicite mass
  • 3. analysis of ceramic paste by observation of polished-sections and thin-sections
  • 4. use-wear analysis on lithic chipped and grinded artefacts, on bone and antler artefacts and byproducts - functional, transport, hafting wear
  • 5. use-wear analysis on metal artefacts - copper, bronze, risks of conservation, manufacture and use traces
  • 6. residues on lithic and metal artefacts - identification in situ, risks of apriori mistake, basic types of residues observable in-situ, methods of sampling and identification in vitro
Teaching methods
E-learning material will prepared for every lesson. Students have to study them before the practical lesson, to arrange as much time as possible for practice. Every lesson will start with short conclusion of theory and method.
Elf course: https://elf.phil.muni.cz/22-23/course/view.php?id=446
Practice of individual students with several samples will follow, while student is tutored by teacher.
Assessment methods
Student have to present ability to
1. self-sufficiently choice right microscope and configuration for proposed sample.
2. identify proposed feature of the sample - damage, use-wear, technology, raw-material etc.
3. prepare analytical report
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Information on the extent and intensity of the course: elerningová příprava na hodinu.
Teacher's information
In Spring semester 2023, practice lessons will be realised in use-wear laboratory in number of persons 5+1.

Hygienic standard will be reached by combination of masks/respirators, obligatory use of nitril gloves (provided by lab), and effective airing, in case of bad epidemic situation.

Regarding the laboratory regime, own slippers are recommended; shoe covers are to dispose.

The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2024, Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2023, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/spring2023/AEB_A16e