Fall 2024 - ARCH 436 D100
Biological Anthropology Field Practicum
Class Number: 7571
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Dongya Yang
donyang@sfu.ca
Office: EDB 9629
Office Hours: Wednesday 1:30-2:30pm
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Prerequisites:
ARCH 373 and permission of the department. Normally taken concurrently with ARCH 433 and ARCH 434.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A practical application of the background knowledge and specific techniques of ARCH 433 and 434. It takes place in a research oriented field excavation. Evaluation of student performance is based upon assessments of efficiency and accuracy of excavation techniques/recording procedures, and upon the student's overall contribution to the smooth functioning of the team. Students may repeat this course for credit. Variable units: 3, 4, 5, 6.
COURSE DETAILS:
Prerequisite: ARCH 383 Ancient and Forensic DNA, is recommended or who are taking it concurrently. Also, Instructor's consent is required. Please contact the instructor.
Ancient and forensic DNA are becoming increasingly important in current archaeological research and forensic investigations. This new lab practicum course will provide students with a hands-on opportunity to enhance their learning of ancient and forensic DNA analysis. This experiential practicum explores the process of DNA analysis through sample collection and preparation, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, DNA sequence within GenBank, and data interpretation.
This course will allow students to gain experience in working with both modern and ancient DNA along with a writing a comprehensive report. Students will first go through the modern DNA module to learn how to extract DNA from 3-5 modern animal tissue samples; how to set up PCR amplification; and how to search the obtained DNA sequences against the GenBank database to identify the species and other genetic information. In the ancient DNA module, students will have the opportunity to work on 3-5 archaeological faunal remains by applying specialized protocols to extract and analyze ancient DNA to determine the species ID and other genetic information.
Having gone through two modules, students will have a chance to develop a deep appreciation of the unique challenges associated with the analysis of ancient or degraded forensic DNA samples. Students will also have a better understanding of why increased care and effort are necessary to control and avoid contamination.
As students gain lab experience and obtain their genetic data, they will be encouraged to identify and focus on research question(s) of their interest that can be adequately addressed using their own generated data. Students may pose questions pertaining to areas of particular interest within ancient or forensic DNA, along with application question(s) related to the archaeological remains from which DNA was extracted throughout the modules. Students will be required to prepare their final lab report in the format of a research journal article; developing a strong understanding of the writing process required for a peer-reviewed academic publishing.
The course is designed for students who do not have a strong genetics and biology-based background but would like to gain hands-on research experience to enhance their experiential learning.
Grading
- Lab Habits and Performance 15%
- Quality of DNA Results 25%
- Lab Notes / Note Annotations 15%
- Results Presentation 10%
- Lab Report 35%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Course fee $500:
A course fee of $500 is required to cover the cost of the lab work, including chemical regents, lab supplies, sequencing costs and bench equipment use.
Class times and lab times:
Scheduled class time is Fridays from 1:30-3:30. Additional lab/research sessions should average 4 hours/week. However, the exact times and hours for a week can vary depending upon the lab tasks, alternate commitments, and schedules of you and your teammate. A lab schedule will be developed around students availability. Students will work in groups of two in the lab, and only one group is allowed to work in a lab room at any time.
REQUIRED READING:
There is no required textbook. All required articles and lab protocols are available on CANVAS
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) 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:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.