Introductory Archaeological Geophysics

This topic is aimed at graduates in archaeology or an earth sciences background who wish to gain experience in archaeological geophysics, although it does not presume any prior existing knowledge in geophysics. The topic will provide students with an understanding of the scientific principles behind a range of techniques used in archaeological prospection and the basic field operation of such techniques, as well as data processing, data interpretation and geophysical reporting. Techniques covered will include ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction (EMI), direct current resistivity, magnetometer, gradiometer, magnetic susceptibility, and a range of marine geophysics techniques (side scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling and swath bathymetry). Hands-on experience for students will include GPR, magnetometer and EMI. The topic will be delivered through a series of lectures, demonstrations, practical hands-on sessions and computer-based labs.

ARCH8307 has a number of specified learning outcomes. It has been designed to provide students with a theoretical introduction to geophysical techniques that might be employed in archaeological contexts. It also aims to introduce students to a range of archaeological case studies within which geophysical techniques have been applied, as well as to provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a range of different geophysical techniques. Using hands-on sessions in the computing lab, the topic will provide students with an understanding of geophysical data editing, processing and interpretation procedures, as well as an understanding of standard geophysical reports.

In terms of the learning outcomes, by the end of this topic students will:

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Have a basic understanding of the major geophysical techniques that might be applied in an archaeological context.
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Be familiar with a range of literature concerning the geophysical techniques covered during the topic.
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Be familiar with the basic field operation of a range of different geophysical techniques, including but not necessarily limited to ground penetrating radar, magnetometer and electromagnetic induction.
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Be able to download, edit and process geophysical data.
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To produce interpretable geophysical products and comment on these in a professional style report and presentation.

Location: Flinders University Bedford Park Campus, Adelaide

Dates: This topic will run between 20 September and 1 October 2010, inclusive. This course has been extended from its original 8 day version to comprise 2 x 5 day sessions (back to back) with a 2 day break over the weekend based on feedback from the 2008 participants.

Participants: This topic is open to graduate students enrolled at Flinders University. It is also open to non-Flinders University participants on a fee paying basis.
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