Cultural Materials Conservation Science (CUMC90033)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
July
Associate Professor Petronella Nel: pnel@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Caroline Kyi: caroline.kyi@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | July |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject aims to provide students, who have an assumed knowledge of chemistry, with an introductory understanding of the chemistry and science that influences the properties and behaviour of a range of original and added materials, associated with cultural heritage materials. Within a conservation intervention hierarchy framework, students will apply their fundamental understanding of the relationship between materials (organic, inorganic and metal), their bonds, chemical structure, solubility and other properties to an understanding of the:
- Material composition of cultural heritage objects and their susceptibility to chemical, physical and biological paths of degradation.
- Application of intervention materials (like solvents, polymers and paints), which can be manipulated using auxiliary materials (solvents and poultices) to achieve the desired aesthetic or stabilisation conservation outcome, such as the removal of non-original materials, adhesion and consolidation.
- Interaction of intervention materials with cultural heritage objects and the surrounding environment.
Students who do not have a background in Chemistry, can obtain this by doing the Chemistry Bridging Course, which will be offered by the Grimwade Centre prior to the delivery of this subject.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Analyse the behaviour of organic and inorganic materials in response to physical, chemical and biological factors
- Compare the suitability and compatibility of treatment approaches based on their underlying chemistry
- Apply an understanding of the relationship between the chemical structure and properties of various intervention and auxiliary materials and their interaction with cultural heritage objects
- Establish processes to aid the identification of material types and symptoms of deterioration
- Design methodologies to test, analyse, and evaluate various intervention materials and treatment approaches
- Synthesize and present findings in a scientific report format.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students 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: 28 February 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)
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
CUMC40008 Conservation Materials Chemistry
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: 28 February 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
One technical report
| Day 1 | 10% |
Two technical reports, 500 words each
| Week 1 | 20% |
Two technical reports, 500 words each
| Week 1 | 20% |
Two technical reports, 500 words each
| Week 2 | 20% |
Two technical reports, 500 words each
| Week 2 | 20% |
One technical report
| Week 3 | 10% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 100% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected. | 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: 28 February 2025
Dates & times
- July
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 30 June 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. The LMS will become available at the commencement of the pre-teaching dates. Teaching period 21 July 2025 to 1 August 2025 Last self-enrol date 4 July 2025 Census date 25 July 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 1 August 2025 Assessment period ends 22 August 2025 July contact information
Associate Professor Petronella Nel: pnel@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Caroline Kyi: caroline.kyi@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- 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: 28 February 2025
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 Bailleau library (copies will also be available in class):
- Zumdahl, S & Zumdahl, SA 2014. Chemistry, 9th edition, Houghton Mifflin Company (highly recommended) (UniM ERC open high use 540 ZUM).
- Callister, W 2014. Material Science and Engineering an Introduction, 9th edition, USA: John Wiley and Sons Inc. (UniM ERC open high use 620.11 CALL).
- Horie, C 1987. Materials for Conservation: Organic Consolidants, Adhesives and Coatings, London: Butterworths (UniM Bail high use 667.9 HORI).
- Horie, C 2010. Materials for Conservation: Organic Consolidants, Adhesives and Coatings, London: Butterworths (UniM e-book).
- 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).
- Mills, J & White, R 1994. The Organic Chemistry of Museum Objects, Oxford: Butterworth and Heinemann (UniM Bail high use 069.53 MILL) (UniM e-book).
It is also recommended students purchase a chemistry dictionary.
Further recommended readings are listed in this guide and on the LMS. Students are encouraged to augment their understanding of the topics discussed by drawing on this list. In addition, it is expected students will develop their 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: 28 February 2025