Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - ARCH 383 D100

Molecular Bioarchaeology (3)

Class Number: 2061

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Dongya Yang
    donyang@sfu.ca
    778.782.4651 (EDB 9629); 778.782.9606 (TASC2-8905)
    Office: EDB 9629; TASC2-8905
    Office Hours: Thursdays 10:00AM-12:00PM

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 131 or 201.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces molecular biology techniques used to analyze DNA to address archaeological questions and applications to degraded DNA samples for forensic identification of human remains and conservation of endangered species.

COURSE DETAILS:

Ancient DNA (aDNA) recovered from archaeological human, animal, and plant remains hold important genetic information that can be used to reconstruct population history of human and non-human species, to identify archaeological remains to species level, and even subspecies level, and to illuminate dynamic interactions between humans and other species. This aDNA-based molecular bioarchaeology covers many important research topics pertaining to human evolution, human migrations and population admixture, family and kinship structure, the emergence of new diseases, domestication of animals and plants, and changes of subsistence practices. In addition, aDNA techniques can also be used in forensic investigations to identify human skeletal remains or degraded DNA samples of trafficked endangered animal and plant species.  

Students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamental principles and methods of aDNA analysis and to appreciate its application to archaeological and forensic investigations. Through computer lab exercises, students will gain some hands-on experience in DNA sequence retrieval from GenBank, sequence analysis and data interpretation.  

Students are required to work in groups of 2-3 on a topic of their choice at the beginning. Throughout the semester, they will develop a mock research proposal to use aDNA techniques to expect the “needed” genetic information to help address their research questions. The proposal-based project will be conceived, developed and finalized through group brainstorming, class discussion, and seminar presentations.

Grading

  • Written exam 45%
  • Lab and lab report 15%
  • Seminar presentation, class participation and proposal development 15%
  • Research proposal 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Elizabeth Matisoo-Smith and K. Ann Horsburgh. DNA for Archaeologists. Left Coast Press (Routledge). 2012.

ISBN: 978-1-5987-4681-5

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Students with Disabilities (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.


Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS