UK Isotope Analysis

The cutting edge of archaeology is in the lab, working on the micro & nano levels. This program train students in an important analytical procedure, providing immersive experience for students. The program is a good fit for students who wish to learn new analytical tool, as well as for general archaeologists who want to better understand what expert data is being produced. I am a bit concerned that the program does not provide room and board. Many of our students travel abroad for the first time for a field school, and although the UK is an easy destination, it would have been preferable if the program could provide full accommodation.

This program provides great training in sample preparation, but almost nothing at all for the actual running of the samples in a Mass Spec instrument. It is great to know how to prepare a good sample, what to collect in the field and how to ensure that the readings will reflect actual archaeological remains. It would be better if the program could be longer and expose students to Mass Spec work. I realize that Mass spec analysis requires significant background in chemistry, physics and instrument software. But a four week program can be tailored to include at least rudimentary background in the running and interpretation of data coming out of the Mass Spec.

I would 100% recommend this program to a friend due to the unique opportunity and thorough training provided. There are no other opportunities like this for students almost anywhere and I was so happy to have the chance to enrich myself in this programs maiden journey. I know the future can only make this already amazing program even bigger and better and I would urge scientists and archaeologists alike to explore this exciting field.

I would recommend because the quality of the practice is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in a lab class at my university. I think people who didn’t have an excellent departmental experience would benefit from this field school especially because they have the resources to support a lot of different research. It’s great exposure to what you can do after you graduate with an undergraduate degree and it inspired me a lot in 2 weeks.

I would recommend this program to a friend. All of the instructional staff were welcoming and informative. Lectures and lab work were a lot of fun and incredibly useful and applicable.

[The faculty] actually put o a lot of effort to cover all workflows and get every trainee practicing every step by himself more than once. Thanks for all (Emily, Richard, Yasmin, Hector, all the scholars that present a case studies in useful presentations).

I think it’s a great opportunity for the reasons said previously and it’s a great opportunity to see if u want to get into the field :)