Analytical Science in Conservation (CUMC90031)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
September
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)
- 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
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Apply analysis and analytical methods in conservation practice
- Execute the scientific research process
- Frame a research question, based on non-invasive examination of a cultural heritage object and analysis and evaluation of relevant research literature
- Propose an analytical pathway based on an evaluation of analytical techniques and methods of sample preparation, appropriate to the cultural heritage object being examined
- Interpret and critically evaluate results obtained from scientific investigations
- Synthesize and communicate methods of investigation, research findings, limitations, discussion and conclusions through written scientific reports, and other appropriate mediums.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Apply relevant methodologies, technical approaches and documentary practices
- Make analytical judgements, problem solving and decision making
- Effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines using organisational and time-management skills
- Uphold Integrity and ethical practice
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Work cooperatively, contribute ideas to the team, and achieve shared goals.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into or selection of one of the following:
- MC-CULMC Master of Cultural Materials Conservation
- Principles of Cultural Materials Conservation specialisation (formal) in the GCA-ARTS Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced)
AND
All of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUMC90032 | Technical Examination and Documentation | August (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| CUMC90033 | Cultural Materials Conservation Science | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
CUMC40006 Analytical Chemistry in Conservation
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Two analysis reports (20% each, 1000 words each)
| Week 3 and 4 from the start of teaching period | 40% |
A technical report
| During the assessment period | 60% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students must attend 100% of classes in order to pass this subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | During the assessment period | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- September
Coordinators Petronella Nel and Caroline Kyi Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours: 12 x 1-hour lectures and 12 x 2-hour practicals throughout the intensive teaching period. Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching start date 25 August 2025 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, which will become available at the commencement of the pre-teaching dates. Teaching period 15 September 2025 to 26 September 2025 Last self-enrol date 29 August 2025 Census date 19 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 October 2025 Assessment period ends 17 October 2025 September contact information
What do these dates mean
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- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
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 Course Master of Cultural Materials Conservation Course Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced) - Links to additional information
Last updated: 4 March 2025