2027 UK Isotope Analysis Lab (2 Sessions)

Location: Cardiff, UK

Season: July 5, 2027 to January 28, 2028

Session Dates: Session I: Jul 5-16, 2027; Session II: Jan 10-21, 2028

Application Deadline: January 10, 2028

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/

Discount for AIA members: No

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Anthropocene Research Center (US), Cardiff University (UK)

Project Director:
Dr. Emily Holt University at Buffalo (US) and Dr. Richard Madgwick, Cardiff University (UK)

Project Description:

Isotope analysis of ancient materials has become a key component of the archaeologist’s toolkit. Strontium and sulfur isotopes help document ancient mobility patterns. Carbon and nitrogen isotopes provide insights into animal and human diets. Oxygen isotopes help reconstruct environmental change. The list of relevant isotopes is long, and all provides important archaeological data about life and choices humans made in the past. Understanding how isotope analysis works, therefore, is an essential skill for archaeologists, whether as archaeological scientists pursuing isotope analysis for their own research or as critical consumers of their colleagues’ conclusions.

This program provides a hands-on introduction to the basics of archaeological isotope analysis. Students will work with the semi-commercial unit Cardiff University BioArchaeology (C•U•BA), learning the theoretical foundations of isotope analysis and gaining practical experience with sample selection, physical and chemical sample preparation, sample analysis and laboratory safety. Students will work with materials from a variety of sites and time periods. Students should expect to analyze materials coming from animal and human remains found in archaeological contexts.

Period(s) of Occupation: All time periods

Notes:
Tuition is $2955; Earn 4 Semester Credit Units through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full Session

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: There are no prerequisites. This is hands-on, experiential learning, and students will study on-site how to conduct archaeological isotope analysis. The work requires patience, discipline, manual dexterity, and attention to detail.

Room and Board Arrangements:
This program does not provide room or board. Cardiff is the largest city in Wales and offers many hotels, Airbnb and youth hostels in all price ranges. Collegiate offers various student housing at three different location around the university, starting at ₤135 (ca. $175) per week (https://www.collegiate-ac.com/uk-student-accommodation/cardiff-university/).

Academic Credit:
4 Semester Credit Units through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College