Analytical Science in Conservation (CUMC90031)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
| Availability | September |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject aims to provide students with an introduction to the fundamental principles and practical applications of the major analytical techniques used in cultural materials conservation. The subject builds upon the students' knowledge gained in CUMC90032 Technical Examination and Documentation, and CUMC90033 Cultural Materials Conservation Science. It covers methods accessible in a conservation laboratory and instrumental methods based upon:
- Microscopy (visible and SEM);
- Atomic spectroscopy (SEM-EDS, XRF and XRD;
- Molecular spectroscopy (FTIR and Raman); and
- Chromatography (GC-MS and HPLC).
Students learn to devise appropriate testing regimes, acquire control samples, prepare samples (eg. cross section), undertake analysis and manage analytical data. Students will gain an understanding of the practical application of a range of analytical techniques (including their advantages and disadvantages, their sampling requirements, and whether the sample is destroyed) and the interpretation of results. Students will apply fundamental examination and analytical techniques to the study of:
- One focus object, which students will select and work on as a group. Each group will investigate either a painting, paper or object based artefact.
- A variety of cultural heritage objects composed of organic, inorganic or metallic materials.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject students should:
- Understand the role and practical application of analysis and analytical methods in conservation.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific research process.
- Synthesize conducting a non-invasive examination of a cultural heritage object, framing a research question, analysing and evaluating research literature, determining an analytical pathway, preparing samples for analysis, selecting appropriate analytical methods, and assessing the limitations of results obtained.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students enrolling into CUMC90031 Analytical Science in Conservation must be admitted to the MC-CULMC Master of Cultural Material Conservation or the GCA-ARTS Graduate Certificate in Arts (Specialisation in Cultural Material Conservation), and must have completed the two subjects on the pre-requisite list.
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUMC90033 | Cultural Materials Conservation Science | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| CUMC90032 | Technical Examination and Documentation | August (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have completed CUMC40006 Analytical Chemistry in Conservation are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Two analysis reports (20% each)
| During the assessment period | 40% |
A technical report
| During the assessment period | 60% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 100% of classes in order to pass this subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- September
Principal coordinator Petronella Nel Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 12 x 1 hour lectures/tutorials and 12 x 2 hour practicals. Off campus preparation: 12 x 40 minute online lectures. Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching start date 24 August 2020 Pre teaching requirements During the pre-teaching period students are expected to complete the course readings, review the online lectures and any other course preparation as outlined on the LMS. LMS will become available at the commencement of the pre-teaching dates. Teaching period 21 September 2020 to 2 October 2020 Last self-enrol date 28 August 2020 Census date 2 October 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 October 2020 Assessment period ends 23 October 2020 September contact information
Email: pnel@unielb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A subject reader will be available in the pre-teaching period. Additional texts may be recommended.
Recommended texts and other resources
In addition to the Subject Reader, the following texts are recommended for this subject and can be purchased from online book stores and/or borrowed from the Baillieu library (copies will also be available in class):
- Artioli, G 2010. Scientific Methods and Cultural Heritage: an introduction to the application of materials science to archaeometry and conservation science, New York: Oxford University Press (UniM Bail high use 930.1028 ARTI).
- Hodges, C 1987. Artefacts - an introduction to early materials and technology, London: Duckworth (UniM Bail 609.03 HODG).
- Horie, C 1987. Materials for Conservation: Organic Consolidants, Adhesives and Coatings, London: Butterworths (UniM Bail high use 667.9 HORI) (electronic resource).
- Mills, J & White, R 1994. The Organic Chemistry of Museum Objects, Oxford: Butterworth adn Heinemann (UniM Bail high use 069.53 MILL) (electronic resource).
- Odegaard, N, Carroll, S & Zimmit, WS 2000. Material Characterization Tests for Objects of Art and Archaeology. London: Archetype Publications (UniM Bail high use 620.110287 ODEG).
- Skoog, DA, West, DM, Holler, FJ & Crouch, S 2014. Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, 9th edition, USA: Brooks/Cole (UniM ERC open high use 543 SKOO).
- Stuart, B 2007. Analytical Techniques in Materials Conservation, London: Wiley (UniM Bail high use 702.88 STUA).
It is also recommended students purchase a chemistry dictionary.
Further recommended readings are listed in this guide and on the LMS. You are encouraged to augment your understanding of the topics discussed by drawing on this list. In addition, it is expected that you will develop your own learning and knowledge through wider reading and research, particularly with regard to completion of assessment items.
Additional texts may be recommended.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Principles of Cultural Materials Conservation - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022