Expert: Ralph Salier - 10/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, you probably get this question all the time, so sorry, but do I need to take pre calculous in gr.12 to get into an archaeology course in university? I have pre cal from gr.11, but this year I am really struggling with my course load combined with work. I've already taken physics 40s (gr.12), I will be taking bio 40s next semester, and am currently taking chem. I also have a great english teacher so I think I'm good there too. Do I also need bio 30s?
Thanks!
Morgan

ANSWER: Hi Morgan,

Can you take bio 40 with out having taken bio 30?  And no you don't need calculous for doing archaeology but do you need it to get into university?  

Where do you want to go?  If you have a uni in mind then see what they require.  I would also speak to your guidance counselor so get his/her view on the subject matter you are taking.  Perhaps they can provide greater guidance then I can.  Have you also taken history or other social science courses?  What kind of archaeology do you want to study?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yeah we can take it without bio 30 (I would have taken bio 30 but we weren't offered it). Yay, that's good news, and no I don't need it to get into university, though I know it would help.
I have a university in mind, but I was just wondering in general, because I know different places usually have different entry levels or if you complete you whatever here, it's not applicable somewhere else, so I just wanted to avoid that because anything is possible. I have taken history, and am currently taking psychology. I like most of them, but classical, historical, and archaeometry would have to be my favorite.

Answer
Hi Morgan,

Most unis will have similar requirements for entry and may require some remedial course work if they feel you are lacking in one area or another.  For Archaeology you do need a well rounded education including History, Bio, Chem, an upper level math and english of course.  Writing skills are very important since you will be writing data reports, site reports, project reports, lab reports, etc..... So being able to write clearly, concisely and with depth will b e important (regardless of language).  

Archaeology is often viewed by people as glamorous or fun or exciting, and it can be but it is also hard work, often in the hot sun for hours on end, using small picks and probes to gently entice artifacts and other materials from the soil matrix.  Many find it boring after their first dig and run screaming from the site.  If you can, volunteer at an archaeological dig in your area before entertaining this career path.  I don't know where in Canada you live but most provinces have a chapter of the Canadian Anthropological Society or a chapter of the Archaeological Society of Canada and they do offer digs in many places, that are also approved by both First Nations and the provincial archaeologist.  


If you do decide to pursue this avenue, then you should also listen to the wise advise given to me by Mary Leakey many years ago.

" By all means become an archaeologist but you must have a back up plan in place.  Also study Economics, Sociology, plumbing, electrical work or brick laying.  I took up teaching so that I would have my summers off.  But some thing that will allow you to make a living should you find that archaeology does not do so.  You can't be a shovel bum your entire life."

I am happy to say that I did listen to her advice and it has proven to be important to me over  the years.  So  think about it carefully.

What uni are you interested in and what aspect of archaeology (cultural area) are you interested in?