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74350-01 - Practical course: Geometric Morphometrics and Activity Reconstruction (1 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2025 |
| Course frequency | Once only |
| Lecturers | Fotios Alexandros Karakostis (fotiosalexandros.karakostis@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This block course introduces key methods in virtual anthropology, focusing on 3D geometric morphometrics (Part 1) and activity reconstruction (Part 2). Through a mix of theory and hands-on practical sessions, students will first learn to analyze 3D shape and size variation in skeletal remains from bioarchaeological and paleoanthropological contexts using cutting-edge virtual techniques. The second part of the course explores experimentally supported methods for reconstructing habitual physical activity and past lifeways. Designed as an entry-level course, it aims to spark student interest and provide a foundation for further exploration and research in consultation with the lecturer. |
| Learning objectives | 1. Gain an understanding of virtual anthropology in comparison to traditional morphometric methods, exploring innovations and digital approaches for studying human skeletal variation. 2. Learn the fundamentals of geometric morphometrics (GMM), including 3D landmark digitization, Procrustes superimposition, shape Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and an introduction to advanced analytical techniques. 3. Explore functional morphology and activity reconstruction by examining how skeletal structures reflect daily behaviors, with an introduction to the use of interdisciplinary methods, such as the Validated Entheses-based Reconstruction of Activity (VERA) and Cross-Sectional Geometry (CSG). 4. Develop practical skills in virtual 3D data collection and analysis while critically evaluating methodological strengths, limitations, and potential applications in bioarchaeology and paleoanthropology. |
| Bibliography | Example Introductory Literature: - 3D Geometric Morphometrics 1. Adams, D. C., Rohlf, F. J., & Slice, D. E. (2013). A field comes of age: geometric morphometrics in the 21st century. Hystrix, the Italian Journal of Mammalogy, 24(1), 7-14. https://doi.org/10.4404/hystrix-24.1-6283 2. Mitteroecker, P., & Gunz, P. (2009). Advances in geometric morphometrics. Evolutionary Biology, 36, 235–247. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11692-009-9055-x 3. Zelditch, M., & Swiderski, D. (2025). Geometric morphometrics for biologists: A primer (3rd ed.). Elsevier. ISBN: 9780443289651 - Activity Reconstruction (Functional Morphology and Biomechanics) 1. Ruff, C., Holt, B., & Trinkaus, E. (2006). Who's afraid of the big bad Wolff?: "Wolff's law" and bone functional adaptation. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 129, 484-498. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.20371 2. Buikstra, J. E. (2023). Inferring ancient human activities through skeletal study: An example from Archaic Greece. In F. A. Karakostis & G. Jäger (Eds.), Biocultural Evolution: An Agenda for Integrative Approaches (pp. 25–54). Tübingen: Kerns Verlag. ISBN: 978-3-935751-38-4. https://doi.org/10.51315/9783935751384.002 3. Karakostis, F. A. (2023). Distinguishing between daily behaviors and evolved functional adaptations in fossil hominins. In F. A. Karakostis & G. Jäger (Eds.), Biocultural Evolution: An Agenda for Integrative Approaches (pp. 11–24). Tübingen: Kerns Verlag. ISBN: 978-3-935751-38-4. https://doi.org/10.51315/9783935751384.001 4. Karakostis, F. A., et al. (2018). Evidence for precision grasping in Neandertal daily activities. Science Advances, 4, eaat2369. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aat2369 |
| Weblink | Studium PNA - Semester |
| Course application | Bitte so rasch wie möglich belegen. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | Online, mandatory |
| Course auditors welcome |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|
| Comments | Block 28.–29. März 2025 |
No dates available. Please contact the lecturer.
| Modules |
Modul: Integration naturwissenschaftlicher Methoden in archäologische Fragestellungen (Master's degree program: Archaeology and Archaeological Science) Modul: Naturwissenschaften in der Archäologie (Bachelor's degree subject: Ancient Civilizations) Modul: Naturwissenschaften in der Archäologie (Bachelor's degree program: Ancient Civilizations) Module: Practical Archaeology (Bachelor's Studies: Prehistory and Archaeological Science) Module: Science for Archaeology (Master's Studies: Prehistory and Archaeological Science) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | The final note will be based on attendance, successful participation in the course's practical sessions, and/or a brief written essay. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Science, studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Integrative Biologie |