Write your SRP in Next Generation Lab

NB: THE SRP-COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2023/24

In the "Fingerprints from the Past" course, high school classes assist researchers in species identification of archaeological leather for the interdisciplinary project Next Generation Lab.

Now, particularly interested students can get even closer to the research field when we open the laboratory for students in connection with their SRP (student research project).

What You Get

You will extract samples from authentic archaeological museum objects, which you will subsequently process and prepare for analysis using mass spectrometry for species identification. Finally, you will analyse the data from your own laboratory work and have access to incorporating data from the entire project's database into your SRP.

You can choose between a one-day or a two-day course with practical work at our facility. With the two-day course, you will work all the way from selecting archaeological objects to processing data and presenting the results. Thus, you will follow the scientific processes throughout. Additionally, you will have ample opportunity to design your own investigation and time for immersion in areas such as data processing, method evaluation, or communication.

Choosing a one-day course will also provide practical experience with various methods and techniques but may not offer the same depth. NB: Since the protocol we work with spans two days, with the one-day course, you will process samples prepared the previous day.

Practical Information

You will have exclusive access to the laboratory for 1-2 days with a small group of other students.

During the visit, you will meet the project's interdisciplinary team, who will guide you through the work. Our team consists of both students and graduates in archaeology, conservators, biologists, historians, molecular biologists, and educators.

It is highly beneficial if you have already completed the "Fingerprints from the Past" course beforehand.

If you have not already participated in the course with your class, we recommend that you sign up for one of the available spots and participate in the course with another school before the day of your SRP work (NB: THE SRP-COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2023/24).

2-Day Course Program:

Introduction to the project and the interdisciplinary research field
Final design of your own investigation
Selection of objects from the museum's collection
Sample extraction, morphological species identification, and documentation
Planning details for laboratory work
Protein purification of samples
Preparation of samples for mass spectrometry, including enzymatic treatment, column chromatography purification, and spotting with pipetting robot
Introduction to bioinformatic data processing of mass spectrometry data
Visit to the museum's exhibitions and considerations for dissemination
Reflection, plan for further work, material package, and questions

1-Day Course Program:

Introduction to the project and the interdisciplinary research field
Sample extraction, morphological species identification, and documentation
Planning details for laboratory work
Preparation of samples for mass spectrometry, including enzymatic treatment and column chromatography purification
Introduction to bioinformatic data processing of mass spectrometry data
Reflection, plan for further work, material package, and questions

Subjects

Biology, biotechnology, and chemistry along with history, Danish, physics, or social studies.

Methods and Techniques:

Morphological species identification
Object handling and sample extraction
Protein purification and digestion for peptides
Preparation of samples for mass spectrometry
Peptide purification by column chromatography
Data processing

What We Expect from You

We expect that you have already completed the "Fingerprints from the Past" course—either with your class or by signing up for one of the available spots with another school. NB: THE SRP-COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2023/24

The SRP course allows for a high degree of freedom and the opportunity to plan your own investigation. Therefore, we expect you to take responsibility for your project and the practical work you will do on the day(s). We are, of course, available to help and guide you, and if you have any questions during your planning, feel free to contact us at nextgenlab@snm.ku.dk.

Here at the museum, you can primarily identify archaeological leather, primarily from 13-17th century Copenhagen. If you have access to other skin or leather materials that you would like to identify for your project using the method, we are very open to it. Contact us, and we will figure it out!