Archaeobotany
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide a framework of the micro and macro plants finds that can be found in archaeological sites, the criteria and methods useful to reconstruct the palaeoenvironments and the relationship between human and plants, with regard to climate change. Students will be given methodological instruments for a correct approach, according to a multidisciplinary and diachronic point of view towards this kind of records, so that they will be able to understand which information can be obtained for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the class, students will have learned the main methodologies used in the archaeobotany: field sampling on the archaeological site for pollen and macroremains, sample preparation, reading of pollen and macroremains data, interpretation of data from an the archaeological and palaeoenvironmental point of view.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Definitions of Archaeobotany. Type of microscopic and macroscopic records. Interdisciplinary approach and interpretations. Sampling, treatment and isolation of the finds, microscopic analysis. Archaeobotany as a method of measurement of environmental variables. Concepts of botanical classification and groups of terrestrial plants. Xilo-anthracology and the anatomy of wood. Palynology: pollen morphology (diagnostic characters), applications (aerobiology, melissopalinology, forensic palynology, paleopalynology, archeopalynology). Pollen indicators of environmental transformations and anthropic impact. Ethnobotany: history, methods and study of the relationship between humans and plants. Case studies.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of scientific studies applied to Cultural Heritage.
Teaching methods
The course takes place through streaming lessons (TEAMS platform) carried out with the aid of audiovisual media (PowerPoint, videos of lectures and seminars taken by the teacher). Exercises are foreseen in the form of tasks given to students to study some topics.
Teaching Resources
Recorded lessons, videos and scientific papers provided by the teacher.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam to verify the theoretical skills related to the topics in the program and the ability to display the concepts correctly. The exam is divided into 4-5 questions; the final mark, expressed in thirtieths, corresponds to the average evaluation of the answers given by the candidate.
BIO/02 - SYSTEMATIC BOTANY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Mercuri Anna Maria
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Mercuri Anna Maria