Other links:
Other links:
Biomolecules often preserve in them archeological records, revealing secrets that the naked eye cannot see. Through these molecular traces, we can piece together a scientific and holistic understanding of our collective past. In this live, certified course spanning four weekends, we develop a rich understanding of how biology and archaeology intersect to give us an evidence-based understanding of human evolution.
Designed for high schoolers (Grades 9-12), this course offers a university-level insight into the study of ancient molecules from human and non-human sources and their applications in real-world problem-solving. Students will engage in a capstone project that allows them to apply their knowledge of DNA, non-DNA molecules, and isotopes to reconstruct aspects of the past using existing databases, fostering a hands-on understanding of the subject matter.
Students from any background can participate in this course, all we need is that you come with an open mind. It’s also ideal for high schoolers who want to study biological sciences, archaeology, or any kind of interdisciplinary discipline in college.
Prerequisites: High proficiency in written & spoken English. You will be required to submit your latest mark sheet in the application form.
Faculty Insights: Deepen your knowledge with expert lectures on molecular evolution and biogeochemical studies led by seasoned academics.
Introduction to Ancient Genetics: Dive into genetics, exploring the fundamental concepts of DNA, alleles, and chromosomes through Mendelian principles.
Human Evolution and Migration: Explore the story of human evolution, including genetic admixture, hybridization, and ancestral DNA.
Molecular Insights into Past Practices: Understand past food and climate practices using isotopes, revealing Palaeodietary and Palaeoclimatic insights.
Futuristic Perspectives: Envision the future of genetics and its evolving role in decoding human history.
Peer Collaboration & Discussions: Work with like-minded students in teams to analyze molecular data and challenge established interpretations through interactive discussions.
Capstone Project: Apply your learnings in a hands-on capstone project, where you’ll use existing databases to explore ancient biomolecular data. Your project can take the form of a research paper, presentation, or innovative design.
Expert Feedback: Receive personalized feedback and guidance from faculty and industry experts to refine your capstone project.
Future Pathways: Showcase your work in a capstone presentation, with opportunities to pitch your project for incubation, participate in competitions, or feature your work on our website. Exceptional students may earn a Letter of Academic Achievement (LoA), further enriching their academic profiles.
By the end of this programme, you will:
Biomolecules often preserve in them archeological records, revealing secrets that the naked eye cannot see. Through these molecular traces, we can piece together a scientific and holistic understanding of our collective past. In this live, certified programme spanning four weekends, we develop a rich understanding of how biology and archaeology intersect to give us an evidence-based understanding of human evolution.
Designed for high schoolers (Grades 9-12), this programme offers a university-level insight into the study of ancient molecules from human and non-human sources and their applications in real-world problem-solving.
Students will engage in a capstone project that allows them to apply their knowledge of DNA, non-DNA molecules, and isotopes to reconstruct aspects of the past using existing databases, fostering a hands-on understanding of the subject matter. The students will get an opportunity to research, achieve, or design for a real-world case scenario and submit their write-ups, pitch, presentations. The capstone project may culminate in a panel presentation or a mock presentation. Students will have the opportunity to publish their projects, pitch for incubations, participate in competitions, feature on website, receive an LoA at the end of the programme.
| Week 1 | Saturday: What is so cool about ancient genetics: An introduction.
Sunday : Independent project on basics of mendelian genetics, and introduction to concepts like DNA, alleles, chromosomes, phenotype, and genotype etc. |
|---|---|
| Week 2 | The story of us: human evolution, dispersal and migration. Independent project on concepts like ancestry, mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA. |
| Week 3 | From Beasts to Blessings: A molecular understanding of past food practice and climate. Independent project on the use of isotopes and other non-DNA molecules for Palaeoclimatic and dietary reconstruction. |
| Week 4 | The future of genetic studies and their potential in unravelling other mysteries. |
Alok Bhattacharya is Professor of Biology. He is the recipient of Robert McNamara Fellowship (World Bank), Rockefeller Biotechnology Career Development Award, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and JC Bose Fellowship, and is a fellow of Indian National Science Academy and Indian Academy of Sciences. He also served as one of the Vice Presidents of INSA. Following his Ph.D. at Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, he trained at the National Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, USA. He spent a large part of his independent career at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, where his scientific interests were in the area of infectious diseases, biology of parasitic pathogens and genomics.
Kalyan Sekhar Chakraborty specializes in Biomolecular Archaeology and Archaeological Geochemistry. His research interest is in reconstructing ancient animal herding practices. His research explores the role of domesticated animals and the inter-relationship between humans-animals-environment in the development and dispersal of complex societies in South Asia, especially in India.
Kalyan completed his PhD in Anthropological Archaeology from the Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Canada, in 2019. He has held postdoctoral and research positions at the University of Toronto and McMaster University.
Ashoka Horizon Achievers Programmes offers a certificate on
satisfactory completion of the programme.
The 2 components of student assessment are-
Class participation will be assessed based on your active engagement in live sessions, contributions to discussion forums, and involvement in Teaching Fellow-led activities. Letters of Academic Achievement will be issued for select students based on exceptional performance in the programme.
This programme is administered through an online platform. Students are expected to have a foundational understanding of computer usage, including but not limited to sending emails and conducting Internet searches. Consistent access to the Internet and a computer that aligns with the recommended minimum specifications are also requisite for participation in the programme.
Have a question about Ashoka Horizons Achievers Programme? Write to us on horizons@ashoka.edu.in
“Yes, there’s certainly been a lot that I’ve learned. While I had a foundational understanding of genetics which led to much of the first session being revision, the archaeological aspect of this course has been completely novel. I never knew how different isotopes provide information about past climates, and the nutritional intake of past cultures. Moreover, learning about mass spectrometry and gas chromatography was certainly new, and lipid analysis was something I had never done before.”
“Yes, there’s certainly been a lot that I’ve learned. While I had a foundational understanding of genetics which led to much of the first session being revision, the archaeological aspect of this course has been completely novel. I never knew how different isotopes provide information about past climates, and the nutritional intake of past cultures. Moreover, learning about mass spectrometry and gas chromatography was certainly new, and lipid analysis was something I had never done before.”
“Yes, there’s certainly been a lot that I’ve learned. While I had a foundational understanding of genetics which led to much of the first session being revision, the archaeological aspect of this course has been completely novel. I never knew how different isotopes provide information about past climates, and the nutritional intake of past cultures. Moreover, learning about mass spectrometry and gas chromatography was certainly new, and lipid analysis was something I had never done before.”
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Ashoka University offers a year-long Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Studies and Research (DipASR) to students who have completed the three-year […]
Ashoka University offers a year-long Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Studies and Research (DipASR) to students who have completed the three-year […]
