Archaeological soil micromorphology and phytolith analysis

This training programme builds on the unique expertise developed by the Research Centre in Archaeology and Heritage at the Université libre de Bruxelles combining micromorphology and phytolith analysis, shedding new light on archaeological stratigraphy and the identification of human activity. The Certificate in Archaeological Soil Micromorphology and Phytolith Analysis is a one-week summer training programme in English including preparatory readings, high-quality lectures, intensive microscopy sessions and an on-site visit in the Brussels area.

Target group

This programme is designed for graduate students, PhD students, researchers in archeology, history, art history, geology, agronomy, anthropology and for professionals in archaeology. It is accessible to candidates holding a bachelor degree or through recognition of prior learning.

Course aim

This training programme aims to provide participants with the basic skills required for performing a comprehensive micromorphological study. They will learn:
> the basic principles of soil micromorphology, optical mineralogy, and phytolith studies,
> how to perform microscopic observations on soil thin sections, describe soil thin sections and interpret their observations,
> how to integrate their data within the larger framework of geoarchaeological studies.