Osteoarchaeology: The Truth in Our Bones

• When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

  Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

  • The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
  • The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

• What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

  When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

• Is financial aid available?

  Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

• What does the course syllabus look like?

  The course consists of five weeks, each week dealing with a different aspect of what we can learn from the human skeleton in an archaeological context.

  Each week is concluded with a multiple choice quiz about that week's subject, as well as a "Solve the Mystery" exercise that involves students analyzing a fictional skeleton using the knowledge they have gained in that week. The final course grade is based on a combination of the grades received for these two exercises each week.

  Course Content

  Week 1 The Osteobiography. Estimating age in adults and subadults, estimation of sex and stature.

  Week 2 Paleopathology. Different types of disease and trauma that can be detected in the human skeleton.

  Week 3 Paleodiet. Using stable isotope analysis and dental disease to reconstruct diet in the past.

  Week 4 Activity Reconstruction. Using entheseal change, joint degeneration and teeth to reconstruct activity in the past.

  Week 5 Mobility and Migration. Using long bone morphology, Strontium isotopes and ancient DNA to reconstruct mobility and migration.

• Do I need to buy any books to complete the course?

  No, that is not necessary. All the study materials needed to complete this course, are provided during the MOOC.

  Of course, if you want to learn more, you can always look for more (free) information online, or even buy a book on a particular subject.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.