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An Introduction to Paleoradiography
Online short course

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WHAT IS IT?

An Introduction to Paleoradiography is a short online course designed to introduce the use of x-rays in archaeology. It takes around four hours to complete and you will receive a certificate of completion at the end.

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WHAT IS THE COURSE ABOUT?

The course explains and demonstrates the practical physics involved when taking x-rays and interpreting images. The course also explores the research potential of x-rays in archaeology, using examples from academic literature. An overview of x-rays with bones, metalwork and ceramics shall be covered.

 

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WHO IS IT FOR?

Anyone with an interest in archaeology, although the content has been created as a professional development course for archaeologists. No prior knowledge of radiation physics is required. You will gain four hours of continual professional development for your portfolio.

 

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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? HOW LONG DO I HAVE ACCESS?

The course costs £50.00 (about $70). You will have access for 6 months and a certificate sent by email.  

 

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WHEN CAN I JOIN?

You can join the course at any time.

 

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WHO CREATED THE COURSE?

The course has been created by James Elliott, a lecturer in diagnostic radiography and an archaeologist. The content of this course is based upon his research and teaching experience in higher education. The course has been endorsed by the Charted Institute for Archaeologists and has been mapped to national occupational standards. It has also been certified by the Register of Professional Archaeologists.

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Download the course specifications

Certified by the
Register of Professional Archaeologists

Still interested?

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Find out more information below. 

Course Details

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COURSE STRUCTURE

 

Part 1 - Core concepts

  • What are x-rays?

  • What is radiography?

  • How are x-rays used in archaeology?

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Part 2 - Image brightness and contrast

  • How are x-rays made?

  • Object density and image grayscale

  • Photodensitometry

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Part 3 - Radiographic technique

  • What is radiographic technique?

  • Geometric unsharpness

  • Radiogrammetry

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Part 4 - Paleoradiography in research

  • Using DICOM files

  • Data extraction

  • Related technologies

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FUNDAMENTAL PALEORADIOGRAPHY THEORY

The following concepts are explored during this course â€‹

  1. Radiographs as two-dimensional representations of a three-dimensional objects.

  2. The relationship between specimen density and grayscale upon the radiograph.

  3. The effect of geometric unsharpness upon image quality.

  4. The utility of radiographs as a source of quantitative analysis.

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COURSE TUTOR

James Elliott is a lecturer in diagnostic radiography and an archaeologist working in Kent, United Kingdom. ​You can contact him at any time.​ He is affiliated with Canterbury Christ Church University, although paleoimaging.com is a separate entity. This course has been created following a research project involving 100 undergraduate archaeology students who evaluated the online course and provided feedback for improvement. A description of the research can be found in the Projects section, or you can view the published article on the Journal of Archaeology and Education website.

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WHAT WILL YOU BE EXPECTED TO DO?

The content of this course is a mixture of text, photographs, radiographs (x-rays), diagrams and videos. You will be expected to read through the content and complete reading tasks (research articles). At the end of each section there is a short quiz which tests your understanding of the topic. There is no exam or assessment at the end of the course to receive the certificate of completion. 

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HOW LONG WILL THE COURSE LAST? 

You will have access to the course for six months. The anticipated time to complete this course is four hours, although some may take longer due to the optional additional readings.

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WHAT INFORMATION IS REQUIRED FOR THE CERTIFICATE?

Your full name and a working email address.

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ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN THE COURSE

You will need access to the internet, an email address and a good understanding of the English language to read research articles. The anticipate time to complete the learning content is four hours, although the additional reading lists may extend this.

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IS THE COURSE ACCREDITED WITH A PROFESSIONAL BODY?

This course has been approved by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and the Register of Professional Archaeologists. The learning outcomes have been mapped to national occupational standards.  Four hours of CPD can be recorded towards CPD/CPE requirements for accredited archaeologists.

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An introduction to paleoradiography short online course supports the knowledge requirements for:

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AC1        Research and analyse information to achieve objectives

  • K2 what the research aims of the project are

  • K3 the sources of information relevant to the research

  • K6 how to obtain different types of information

  • K10 how different types of information relate to the research aims

  • K12 the research aims

  • K13 which types of analysis method are appropriate

https://www.ukstandards.org.uk/PublishedNos-old/CCSAPAC1.pdf

 

AC2        Conduct non-intrusive investigations

  • K1 how to verify the aims and goals of the project

  • K6 how to brief personnel on investigation methods

  • K8 the relevant technical and ethical standards applicable to the work

  • K9 the different types and modes of investigation

  • K12 the types of equipment which may be required

  • K13 the types of facilities required

  • K15 how to conduct investigations

  • K19 how to adapt investigation procedures and practices to suit different conditions

  • K22 types and modes of investigation

  • K23 circumstances and conditions which can affect investigation operations

  • K29 how to advise users on the interpretation of investigation

  • K30 the different types of investigation data

  • K31 the limitations of techniques and data

  • K32 the different types of data analysis

https://www.ukstandards.org.uk/PublishedNos-old/CCSAPAC2.pdf

 

AC8        Undertake analysis and interpretation of archaeological material and data

  • K1 How to carry out analysis and interpretation

  • K3 Relevant technical and ethical standards

  • K4 Types of analysis and interpretation

  • K5 Types of method

  • K6 How to conduct analysis and interpretation

  • K9 How to adapt analysis and interpretation procedures and practices to suit different conditions

  • K11 Types and modes of analysis and interpretation

  • K12 Circumstances and conditions which can affect analysis and interpretation activities

https://www.ukstandards.org.uk/PublishedNos-old/CCSAPAC8.pdf

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Logging into the course
The video below demonstrates the process for accessing the course webpages.

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