MSc Bioarchaeological Science in Aberdeen United Kingdom | University of Aberdeen

Bioarchaeological Science leads the way in scientifically exploring humanity's past. This innovative program combines human osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology with cutting-edge genetic and isotopic analysis of ancient remains. Students will master modern scientific methods for extracting, examining, and presenting DNA, protein, stable isotope, and lipid data.

Through comprehensive lectures, seminars, and hands-on workshops, participants will discover how biomolecular evidence survives over time and how bioarchaeologists recover and study this evidence. This knowledge helps enrich the information available to archaeologists, evolutionary biologists, and palaeoecologists.

The program leverages the Department's specialized knowledge in human osteology to teach students how to recognize and analyze human remains from archaeological sites. Furthermore, students will explore how advanced techniques like next-generation sequencing and population genetics are revolutionizing our comprehension of human history, evolution, and the biological past of other species.

Participants will gain both theoretical understanding and practical expertise to recognize and interpret palaeopathological alterations in ancient human remains, revealing insights about historical diseases. Students can undertake original bioarchaeological research projects with guidance from our specialists in osteoarchaeology, ancient DNA, and isotope analysis within our specialized laboratories.
This program provides essential knowledge and techniques for studying ancient specimens, designed for those pursuing careers in biomolecular archaeology. The acquired skills also have broad applications outside archaeology, making the program valuable for students from diverse backgrounds including anthropology, earth sciences, genetics, history, and zoology.