Subject information
Master of Cultural Materials Conservation (by coursework and minor thesis)
First Year
Second Year
Semester One, First Year
108444 Conservation Professional Practices (12.5 pts)
This subject introduces students to the ethical issues, cultural considerations, policy framework and the economic environment that inform conservation practice.
108446 Introduction To Materials and Techniques (12.5 pts)
The subject examines the history and manufacture of traditional and modern materials, their properties and behaviour, and the processes of their chemical and physical deterioration.
108449 Conservation Materials Chemistry (12.5 pts)
The subject deals with the physical and organic chemistry of cultural heritage items and of products and formulations used in all aspects of conservation. It examines the relationship between the chemical structure, properties, and uses of solvents, adhesives and other materials, and their interaction with cultural heritage objects. Topics including surface colloid chemistry, polymer science, oxidative ageing are covered.
108451 Technical Examination and Documentation (12.5 pts)
Areas of study in this subject include visual examination using normal and ultraviolet light, photography, infrared reflectography, stereomicroscopy and x-radiography. Sampling methods and microscopic identification of pigments, fibres and other materials are studied.
Semester Two, First Year
108445 Respect (12.5 pts)
In his subject students explore issues relating to the preservation of culture. Students engage with individual guest lecturers who have extraordinary or senior cultural expertise and knowledge, and who lead students through the complexity of issues relating to context, disruption, authenticity, legal standing, development, reinvention, identity and minority status. Of particular focus are cultures that relate to the Australian, Asian and the Pacific Nations.
108447 Preventive Conservation (12.5 pts)
This subject examines the physical and environmental causes of deterioration of cultural material, and how these can be mitigated. Areas of study include biological attack, chemical pollutants, light exposure, fluctuations and extremes of relative humidity and temperature, physical stresses, vandalism, natural and human caused disasters.
108448 Conservation Assessment And Treatment 1 (12.5 pts)
This subject introduces the current philosophy, ethics, materials, procedures and techniques that are used in the practical conservation of artefacts. Students develop and carry out minor treatment programs on selected objects.
108450 Analytical Chemistry In Conservation (12.5 pts)
The subject builds upon the students’ knowledge gained in 108449 Conservation Materials Chemistry. It covers the use of analytical techniques relevant to the conservation of cultural heritage, including microchemical testing, mass spectrometry, and emission spectroscopy. Students learn to devise appropriate testing regimes, prepare samples, undertake analysis and manage analytical quality.
Semester One, Second Year
108540 Materials And Techniques Of Artefacts (12.5 pts)
This subject builds upon the subject 108446 Introduction to Materials and Techniques. Students focus on their chosen field of specialisation, allowing a more detailed study of the history and manufacture of traditional and modern materials, their properties and behaviour, and more complex chemical and physical deterioration processes.
108541 Conservation Assessment And Treatment 2 (25 pts)
This double unit subject builds on the subject 108 448 Conservation Assessment and Treatment 1. Students undertake more complex assessment, documentation and conservation treatment of artefacts in their field of specialisation.
108539 Conservation Intensive (Winter semester) (12.5 pts)
This subject consists of a 5-day intensive professional symposium or advanced workshop. The topics covered will reflect those identified by the conservation sector as necessary and relevant to contemporary professional practice. The subject provides students with the opportunity to acquire and develop specialised skills in a professional industry setting. Lectures, seminars, and practical sessions will be led by nationally and internationally recognised experts.
Semester Two, Second Year
108542 Conservation Internship (12.5 pts)
In this subject students arrange and undertake a placement in a Conservation Department or practice, which deals directly in the conservation of materials of their specialisation. They work under the guidance of a senior conservator within the work place. Students carry out a set program of conservation research and/or treatment involving complex decision-making and the application of high-level skills. During the internship an academic supervisor is available for consultation and advice.
108544 Conservation Minor Thesis (37.5 pts)
The student proposes an original research topic that contributes to existing bodies of conservation knowledge. The student then initiates and conducts an involved program of primary research requiring interdisciplinary skills and knowledge. With minimal direction from an academic supervisor, the student conducts the research, and produces a critical research report.