Can you get into archeology with a study applied physics?

[ace frehley]

I'm planning on doing a BSc in applied physics next year, but my real passion has always been history and archeology. The reason I chose for applied physics and not history or archeology is because the odds of getting a good job after the study is much greater.

Now I was wondering, what are my odds of getting a job related to archeology after this study? What kind of job could this be? And are there any particular master's degress I should choose?

I live (and study) in the Netherlands, if that makes a difference.

 

[Straw_Cat]

To get a job in archaeology, you will need some training, and to have worked in the field on excavations and the like.

http://www.alec.co.uk/free-career-assessment/careers-in-archeology.htm

One of the archaeology job boards, with links:
http://www.archaeological.org/jobs

A B. Sc in applied physics will be a real bonus since there are a lot of new technologies being used in the field and in labs that rely on physics. (mostly in the labs...) Among them are methods to date deposits using things like uranium content and aging sites based on how much light has changed certain minerals ( I can't remember what those are- perhaps some form of quartz? )

Doing MRI scans to find out the chemicals absorbed by ancient pots requires applied physics, chemistry, and more...

You would get better advice consulting with professors of archaeology at one or more nearby institution(s), or at regional meet-ups of people in the profession.

Besides the physics side of the science, you will need a good grounding in the cultural side as well, and a wide understanding of human social behaviours. ( Over the years I have spotted some weak assertions made by people who seem to lack this kind of insight to some degree... basic human needs desires underlie everything we all do, but cultures (shared learned behaviour and beliefs) modify how we express and hopefully fill those needs.)

A B.Sc. in applied physics is a good base to start from, though, I'd say.

It will also be handy in shooting down those "Chariots of the Gods" enthusiasts who all make ridiculous claims.

 

[Borek]

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=678987