Short course
Ancient DNA and the Archaeological Revolution
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
18/05/2027 - 15/06/202714:00 - 16:00
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£190.00
Ancient DNA has been a key player in the scientific revolution of archaeology over the past 20 years. In this course we will explore how ancient genetic material is recovered, analysed and used to reshape major archaeological debates, from human origins and migrations to animal domestication. In addition, we will consider the ethical issues raised by ancient genetics, such as ancestry, bioengineering and rewilding. By the end of the course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how ancient DNA is reshaping archaeology, along with the ability to critically reflect on its scientific, ethical, and future implications.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Course starts Tuesday 18 May 2027
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Tuesdays, 2.00-4.00pm.
Week 1: The Building Blocks: DNA Basics and Preservation
Week 2: Unlocking the Past: Ancient DNA in Archaeological Contexts
Week 3: Human Journeys: Origins, Migration, and the Ethics of Ancestry
Week 4: The Animal Story: Domestication, Evolution, and Breeding
Week 5: The Future of Ancient DNA: Disease, De-extinctions, and Bioethics
Course aims
Course aim:
This course offers an introduction to the role of ancient DNA in archaeology, equipping learners to critically evaluate ancient genetic evidence within major debates about human and animal pasts, and to consider its wider scientific and ethical implications
Course objectives:
- Understand the basic biological principles of DNA and how ancient genetic material is recovered and analysed.
- Become familiar with the range of questions ancient DNA can address in archaeology, including relatedness, population change, and physical characteristics.
- Critically assess the strengths and limitations of ancient genetic evidence in archaeology
- Explore how ancient DNA contributes to debates on human evolution, migration, and animal domestication.
- Engage with ethical issues surrounding ancient DNA research
Learning outcomes
After taking this course students will be able to
- Critically engage with ancient DNA as an archaeological artefact
- Understand the ethical implications of ancient DNA research
Students will also:
- Gain an understanding of foundational biological concepts and the limitations of ancient DNA research as an archaeological method
- Be familiar with the impact and contributions of ancient DNA research to major turning points in human prehistory
Level and demands
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Small group discussions and presentations in class
- Seminar style roundtable discussions
- Interactive in-class activities
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Dr Ashleigh Haruda
Dr Ashleigh Haruda is a zooarchaeologist with over 15 years’ experience working across Eurasia. Her interdisciplinary research combines traditional methods with ancient DNA, isotopes, and three-dimensional shape analysis to explore human–animal relationships in the past, particularly the role of animal breeding in global economies and trade networks.
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £190.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Preparatory reading
- Who We Are and How We Got Here: Ancient DNA and the New Science of the Human Past / Reich, David
Module code: O26P439AHW
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.