Technical Examination and Documentation (CUMC90032)
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 | August |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject aims to provide students with an introduction to a range of technical examination and documentation methods. Visual examination methods include the use of: visible light (reflected, transmitted, raking), ultraviolet and infrared radiation and x-radioagraphy. More invasive examination methods include: microscopy, sampling and chemical spot tests. Documentation methods include: photography, 3-D imaging, condition reporting and scientific report writing. Students will apply these fundamental examination and documentation techniques to the study of:
- One focus object which, students will select and work on as a group. Each student group will be investigating ether a painting (landscape or portrait), paper (watercolour, print or photograph) or object (textile, wood, ceramic, metal, glass or plastic) based artefact.
- A variety of cultural heritage objects composed of organic, inorganic or metallic materials will also be examined during the practical sessions, for a more holistic perspective.
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. The LMS will become available at the commencement of the pre-teaching dates.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject students are expected to:
- Understand and apply the protocols and processes associated with a range of technical methods used to handle, sample and examine different types of cultural material; and
- Synthesize the documentation, analysis and evaluation of observations via the creation of conservation 'Condition' and 'Scientific' reports.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students enrolling into this subject 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).
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have completed CUMC40007 Technical Examination and Documentation 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 |
|---|---|---|
A technical condition report
| During the assessment period | 40% |
A technical examination 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
- August
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 27 July 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. The LMS will become available at the commencement of the pre-teaching dates. Teaching period 17 August 2020 to 28 August 2020 Last self-enrol date 31 July 2020 Census date 21 August 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 28 August 2020 Assessment period ends 18 September 2020 August contact information
Email: pnel@unimelb.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.
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):
- Bigras, C, Choquette, M & Powell, J 2010. Lighting Methods for Photographing Museum Objects, Canadian Conservation Institute, Ottawa (available from the CCI).
- Hodges, H 1989. 'The Examination of artifacts', in Artifacts - an introduction to early materials and technology. London: Duckworth, pp. 175-228 (UniM Baillieu 609.03 HODG).
- Odegaard, N, Carroll, S & Zimmit, WS 2000/2007. Material Characterization Tests for Objects of Art and Archaeology - 1st/2nd edition. London: Archetype Publications (UniM Baillieu 620.110287 ODEG).
- Powell, BA 2016. Collection Care - An Illustrated Handbook for the Care and Handling of Cultural Objects. New York: Rowman & Littlefield.
- Stuart, B 2007. Analytical Chemistry in Conservation. UK: John Wiley & Sons (UniM Baillieu 702.88 STUA).
- Van Horn, DR, Culligan, H & Midgett, C (eds) 2015. Basic Condition Reporting - A Handbook - 4th edition. New York: Rowman & Littlefield (UniM Baillieu 069.52 BASI).
- Warda, J (ed) 2008/2011. The AIC Guide to Photography and Conservation Documentation - 1st/2nd edition. Washington DC: American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (UniM Baillieu 025.84 AIC) (The 2011 2nd edition is available from the AIC).
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 to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022