Micromorphology Course

An intensive week-long course in Archaeological Micromorphology is offered by the Malcolm H. Wiener Laboratory for Archaeological Science. Dr. Panagiotis (Takis) Karkanas, Director of the Wiener Laboratory, and Dr. Paul Goldberg, Senior Visiting Professor, Institut für Naturwissenschaftliche Archäologie (INA), University of Tübingen, will lead the course. The program will primarily focus on deciphering site formation processes and micro-stratigraphy. Students will receive instruction in optical mineralogy, description, and interpretation of micromorphological thin sections based on analysis of soil fabrics and sedimentary microstructures.

Deadline for applications: January 15, 2025
Applicants will be notified in March

The course will take place from May 19 - 23, 2025, in Athens, Greece.

Archaeological Soil and Sediment Micromorphology Course

Training will include the study of:

  • Soils and pedogenic processes
  • Natural processes in archaeological sites (e.g. water and debris flows, wind-blown sediment, standing water sediment)
  • Biological sediments (e.g., dung, coprolites, guano)
  • Anthropogenic processes (e.g., burning, stabling, living and constructed floors, dumping and filling, trampling, raking, building materials)
  • Post-depositional alterations (e.g., chemical diagenesis, bioturbation)

A maximum of 9 students will be accepted for the course. Preference is given to advanced students with a background in geoarchaeology, and preferably some exposure to optical mineralogy as well.

Participants who successfully complete a course of instruction will receive a certificate detailing the content of the course.

Cost

Training fee is 500 euros ($555 USD) for the entire week.

Accommodation is not provided, but we will offer recommendations and assistance to course participants in order to arrange accommodation themselves.
Travel costs to and within Athens are not included. 

Application

Applications should be submitted no later than January 15, 2025 via the online application form. An application will include a brief cover letter outlining the candidate’s background and interest in participating in the course, a CV, and names and email addresses of two referees. Referees might be contacted for references after the application deadline, if necessary.

Applicants will be notified in March.

Link to online application form

Ready to Apply?

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For further information or questions:

Contact Dr. Panagiotis (Takis) Karkanas at TKarkanas@ascsa.edu.gr.

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