Heritage Science Explained, part 2
Description
Heritage science plays an increasingly important role in the fields of both active (treatments) and passive (preventive) conservation, archaeology and (technical) art history. The associated imaging and analytical techniques supply insights into the constituting materials and internal structure, the genesis, the material history and the degradation mechanisms of heritage objects and are key in developing mitigating strategies for a broad range of conservation issues.
Three micro credentials cover the entire domain of material research from a technical point of view, in heritage science. These micro credentials, each focusing on different techniques, can be followed separately or consecutively, according to the level of skills needed or learners’ interests.
The entire learning path consists of the following micro credentials:
- Optical microscopy for heritage materials (part 1)
- Analytical and Imaging Techniques for Heritage Objects (part 2)
- Advanced analytical techniques (part 3)
For whom?
This micro credential is relevant for people working in the heritage sector in different positions. It is especially relevant for researchers, conservators, restorers, archaeologists, art historians, guides, … who want to learn more / in depth insights in materials and techniques used in heritage.
Program
In this course the most commonly used diagnostic methods in the heritage field will be discussed, in particular: • Ultra-Violet Induced Visible Fluorescence Photography (UIVFP) • X-Ray Radiography (XRR) • Infrared Photography and Reflectography (IRP and IRR) • X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) In addition, attention is paid to the general methodology for material-technical research as it emerged in the new millennium due to the rapid development of new and technical improvement of existing methods, and how these techniques fit into it
Remarks
The course consists of lectures and practical sessions, organized weekly on campus. The lectures are recorded if proper recording infrastructure is available in the designated classrooms. Attendance is compulsory for the practical sessions. The practicals incrementally build on each other: students take a sample and then prepare them step by step to finally include the obtained results in the sample form. By consequence, a student who is absent during a practical cannot proceed to the next practical and cannot submit a final product for the practicum. For that reason, attendance is mandatory, only in case of legitimate absence (student have to submit proof timely to the student secretariat) a catch-up moment will be organized. Students should pose all questions during or immediately after the lecture or practical.
