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Conservation: Organic Material Conservation

Code: KXA23S1

Degree:
Bachelor of Culture and Arts

Degree title:
Bachelor of Culture and Arts

Credits:
240 ects

Duration:
4 years (240 cr)

Start semester:
Autumn 2023

Descriptions

The conservator’s task is to ensure the preservation and sustainable use of cultural heritage. Conservation encompasses all the activities with which the decay of cultural heritage is slowed down or prevented. If necessary, conservation can be supplemented with restoration.

Conservators work as specialists responsible for conservation and preservation of cultural heritage in cooperation with other specialists of the cultural heritage field. Conservators often work in teams, and therefore cooperation skills and flexibility are an integral part of the professional skills of a conservator. Conservators work in museums, conservation centers, archives, libraries, foundations, conservation projects and universities, or as independent conservation entrepreneurs.

The degree program in Conservation is phenomena based and consists of supportive studies, material studies and studies in conservation. Compulsory to all students common studies consist of the basic studying and learning skills, language studies, entrepreneurship studies and theoretical and methodological studies. The structure of learning path is based on the professional competencies. The professional studies in conservation include project studies with emphasis on the cooperation with the working life.

The skills are based on the general competences related to conservation/restoration, including the pan-European requirements for the profession (see European Network for Conservation-Restoration Education and ICOM). As the Metropolia UAS is the only university in Finland offering conservation education, the international cooperation is an essential part of the studies in conservation. In practice, this means long-term student exchange, work placement periods and short-term study trips abroad.

The bachelor´s thesis is an independent study project during the final year of studies made usually for the working life and consists of an advanced professional project and theoretical thesis on it.

In addition to manual skills, conservators possess good theoretical, technical and scientific competences and good problem-solving skills. A conservator can analyze the properties and behavior of different materials related to her/his work. A conservator knows the characteristics of different materials related to cultural heritage and conservation and is able creatively solve problems and develop methods concerning conservation. A conservator knows the global issues and trends in the field of cultural heritage and recognizes the effect of technological development on his/her work, tasks and goals. A conservator is able to apply the principles of sustainability taking into consideration the global responsibility of her/his actions.

Objective

Documentation, collection management, conservation skills and theory, contextual knowledge, material science, sustainable development and ethics.

Show study timings by semester, study year or period

Code Name Credits (cr) 2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026 2026-2027 Autumn 2023 Spring 2024 Autumn 2024 Spring 2025 Autumn 2025 Spring 2026 Autumn 2026 Spring 2027 1. / 2023 2. / 2023 3. / 2024 4. / 2024 1. / 2024 2. / 2024 3. / 2025 4. / 2025 1. / 2025 2. / 2025 3. / 2026 4. / 2026 1. / 2026 2. / 2026 3. / 2027 4. / 2027
KXA23S1-1001
Orientative Studies

(Choose all )

45
KX00FH03 Orientative Studies and Study Skills 5
KX00FH04 Professional Swedish 5
KX00FH05 Professional English 5
KX00FH06 Professional Communication 5
KX00FH07 Methodology and Research Communication 5
KX00FH08 Project Management and Entrepreneurship 5
KX00FH09 Textile History 5
KX00FH10 Presentation Techniques and the Basics of Photography 5
KX00FH11 Art, Cultural and Material History 5
KXA23S1-1002
Basics of Professional Studies

(Choose all )

40
KX00FH12 Introduction to Conservation 5
KX00FH13 Chemistry I 5
KX00FH14 Chemistry I, Continuation 5
KX00FH15 Chemistry II 5
KX00FH16 History, Philosophy and Ethics in Conservation 5
KX00FH17 Textile Materials, Structures and Fibre Identification 5
KX00FH18 Paper Manufacture, Fibre Identification and Degradation 5
KX00FH19 Dyeing and Colour Theory 5
KXA23S1-1003
Professional Studies

(Choose all )

95
KX00FH20 Museology I and Museography: Climate and Indoor Environment 5
KX00FH21 Museology II: Collection Care 5
KX00FH22 Stitching Techniques in Textile Conservation 5
KX00FH23 Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation I 5
KX00FH24 Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation II 5
KX00FH25 The Basics of Cleaning, Patching and Supporting Paper 5
KX00FH26 Adhesives and Their Use in Conservation 5
KX00FH27 Organic and Inorganic Materials 5
KX00FH28 Identification of Plastics, Chemistry, and Degradation 5
KX00FH30 Conservation Project II: Organic and Inorganic Materials (Conservation of Ethnographical Material), cont. Analytical Research Methods 10
KX00FH31 Conservation Project III: Conservation of Modern Materials 5
KX00FH32 Conservation Project IV: Costume Conservation 10
KX00FH33 Conservation Project V: Conservation of Mixed Media Textiles 5
XX00DZ39 Multidisciplinary Innovation Project 10
KX00FH39 Advanced Professional Project 10
KXA23S1-1004
Elective Studies

(Choose ects: 15)

15
KXA23S1-1005
Internships

(Choose all )

30
KX00EP15 Internship I 15
KX00EP16 Internship II 15
KXA23S1-1008
Bachelor's Thesis

(Choose all )

15
KX00EP18 Bachelor's Thesis 15
Total 240 55 55 60 55 30 25 30 25 35 25 25 30 15 15 12.5 12.5 15 15 12.5 12.5 17.5 17.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 15 15

Due to the timing of optional and elective courses, credit accumulation per semester / academic year may vary.

amk::amk-tutkintojen kieliopinnot

AMK-tutkintoon johtavien opintojen tavoitteena on, että tutkinnon suorittaneella on riittävä viestintä- ja kielitaito oman alansa tehtäviin sekä kansainväliseen toimintaan ja yhteistyöhön. (Valtioneuvoston asetus ammattikorkeakoulusta 1129/2014, 4 §).

Professional English

Vieraan kielen kirjallinen ja suullinen taito, joka ammatin harjoittamisen ja ammatillisen kehityksen kannalta on tarpeellinen.

Professional English
Second language (Finnish)

No attached course units

Second domestic language (Swedish)

Ruotsin kielen taito, joka julkisyhteisöjen henkilöstöltä vaadittavasta kielitaidosta annetun lain (424/2003) mukaan vaaditaan korkeakoulututkintoa edellyttävään virkaan kaksikielisellä virka-alueella ja joka ammatin harjoittamisen ja ammatillisen kehityksen kannalta on tarpeellinen.

Professional Swedish
Not grouped
Orientative Studies and Study Skills
Professional Communication
Methodology and Research Communication
Project Management and Entrepreneurship
Textile History
Presentation Techniques and the Basics of Photography
Art, Cultural and Material History
Introduction to Conservation
Chemistry I
Chemistry I, Continuation
Chemistry II
History, Philosophy and Ethics in Conservation
Textile Materials, Structures and Fibre Identification
Paper Manufacture, Fibre Identification and Degradation
Dyeing and Colour Theory
Museology I and Museography: Climate and Indoor Environment
Museology II: Collection Care
Stitching Techniques in Textile Conservation
Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation I
Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation II
The Basics of Cleaning, Patching and Supporting Paper
Adhesives and Their Use in Conservation
Organic and Inorganic Materials
Identification of Plastics, Chemistry, and Degradation
Conservation Project II: Organic and Inorganic Materials (Conservation of Ethnographical Material), cont. Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project III: Conservation of Modern Materials
Conservation Project IV: Costume Conservation
Conservation Project V: Conservation of Mixed Media Textiles
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Advanced Professional Project
Internship I
Internship II
Bachelor's Thesis

STRUCTURE Bachelor (A18.12.2014/1129)

Asetuksen 18.12.2014/1129 mukainen rakenne. 2 § Opintojen rakenne Ammattikorkeakoulututkintoon johtaviin opintoihin kuuluu: 1) perus- ja ammattiopintoja; 2) vapaasti valittavia opintoja; 3) ammattitaitoa edistävää harjoittelua; 4) opinnäytetyö.

Professional Studies
Introduction to Conservation
Chemistry II
History, Philosophy and Ethics in Conservation
Textile Materials, Structures and Fibre Identification
Paper Manufacture, Fibre Identification and Degradation
Dyeing and Colour Theory
Museology I and Museography: Climate and Indoor Environment
Museology II: Collection Care
Stitching Techniques in Textile Conservation
Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation I
Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation II
The Basics of Cleaning, Patching and Supporting Paper
Adhesives and Their Use in Conservation
Organic and Inorganic Materials
Identification of Plastics, Chemistry, and Degradation
Conservation Project II: Organic and Inorganic Materials (Conservation of Ethnographical Material), cont. Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project III: Conservation of Modern Materials
Conservation Project IV: Costume Conservation
Conservation Project V: Conservation of Mixed Media Textiles
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Advanced Professional Project
Work Placement
Internship I
Internship II
Bachelor´s Thesis
Bachelor's Thesis
Core Requirement Studies
Orientative Studies and Study Skills
Professional Swedish
Professional English
Professional Communication
Methodology and Research Communication
Project Management and Entrepreneurship
Textile History
Presentation Techniques and the Basics of Photography
Art, Cultural and Material History
Chemistry I
Chemistry I, Continuation
Elective Studies

No attached course units

Not grouped

ARENE 2022::UAS shared competences::Bachelor’s degree

Replaces the Metropolia's Generic Competences::Bachelor's Degree, UAS” -matrix.. Heidi Rontu/31.8.2022

Ethics

The graduating student adheres to the ethical principles and values of their field of profession, taking the principles of equality and non-discrimination into account.
- Is able to take responsibility for their own actions and their consequences and reflects on them in accordance with the ethical principles and values of their field.
- Takes others into account and promotes equality and non-discrimination.
- Take into account the realisation of diversity and accessibility in their actions.
- Understands the principles of responsible conduct of research and adheres to them.
- Is able to influence society based on ethical values.

Orientative Studies and Study Skills
Methodology and Research Communication
Project Management and Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Conservation
History, Philosophy and Ethics in Conservation
Museology II: Collection Care
Stitching Techniques in Textile Conservation
Organic and Inorganic Materials
Conservation Project II: Organic and Inorganic Materials (Conservation of Ethnographical Material), cont. Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project III: Conservation of Modern Materials
Conservation Project IV: Costume Conservation
Conservation Project V: Conservation of Mixed Media Textiles
Advanced Professional Project
Internship I
Internship II
Bachelor's Thesis
Proactive development

The graduating student is able to develop solutions that anticipate the future of their own field, applying existing knowledge and research and development methods.
- Solves problem situations creatively and reforms operating methods together with others.
- Is able to work in projects in cooperation with actors of different fields.
- Is able to apply existing knowledge in the field in development and utilises research and development methods.
- Is able to seek customer-oriented, sustainable and economically viable solutions, anticipating the future of their field.

Orientative Studies and Study Skills
Project Management and Entrepreneurship
Chemistry II
Museology I and Museography: Climate and Indoor Environment
Museology II: Collection Care
Stitching Techniques in Textile Conservation
Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation I
Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation II
The Basics of Cleaning, Patching and Supporting Paper
Adhesives and Their Use in Conservation
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Advanced Professional Project
Bachelor's Thesis
Internationality and multiculturalism

The graduating student is able to operate in multicultural and international operating environments and networks.
- Is familiar with the impacts of their cultural background on their activities and is able to develop operating methods that take multiculturalism into account in their work community.
- Is able to monitor and utilise the international development of their field in their work.
- Is able to communicate internationally in their work tasks.

Orientative Studies and Study Skills
Professional Swedish
Professional English
Textile History
Art, Cultural and Material History
History, Philosophy and Ethics in Conservation
Museology I and Museography: Climate and Indoor Environment
Museology II: Collection Care
Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation I
Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation II
The Basics of Cleaning, Patching and Supporting Paper
Adhesives and Their Use in Conservation
Organic and Inorganic Materials
Conservation Project II: Organic and Inorganic Materials (Conservation of Ethnographical Material), cont. Analytical Research Methods
Advanced Professional Project
Internship I
Internship II
Sustainable development

The graduating student is familiar with the principles of sustainable development, promotes their implementation and acts responsibly as a professional and a member of society.
- Is able to use information related to their field in finding, implementing and establishing sustainable solutions and operating models.
- Understands sustainability challenges, their interdependencies and the various aspects of issues and problem

Orientative Studies and Study Skills
Textile History
Introduction to Conservation
Chemistry I
Chemistry I, Continuation
Chemistry II
History, Philosophy and Ethics in Conservation
Dyeing and Colour Theory
Museology I and Museography: Climate and Indoor Environment
Museology II: Collection Care
Stitching Techniques in Textile Conservation
Organic and Inorganic Materials
Identification of Plastics, Chemistry, and Degradation
Conservation Project II: Organic and Inorganic Materials (Conservation of Ethnographical Material), cont. Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project III: Conservation of Modern Materials
Conservation Project IV: Costume Conservation
Conservation Project V: Conservation of Mixed Media Textiles
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Advanced Professional Project
Bachelor's Thesis
Learning to learn

The graduating student recognises the strengths and development areas of their competence and learning methods, and they utilise the opportunities communities and digitalisation provide in their learning.
- Assesses and develops their competence and learning methods in different learning environments.
- Is able to acquire, critically assess and appropriately apply the national and international knowledge base and practices of their field.
- Also takes responsibility for group learning and sharing what has been learned.

Orientative Studies and Study Skills
Methodology and Research Communication
Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation I
Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation II
The Basics of Cleaning, Patching and Supporting Paper
Adhesives and Their Use in Conservation
Operating in a workplace

The graduating student has versatile working life skills and is able to operate in work communities of their field.
- Is able to work constructively in a work community and promotes their own and their work community’s well-being.
- Is able to act professionally in communication and interaction situations at a workplace.
- Utilises the opportunities offered by technology and digitalisation in their work.
- Understands the complexity of changing working life and their own resilience in changing working life situations
- Has capabilities for an entrepreneurial approach.

Professional Swedish
Professional English
Professional Communication
Project Management and Entrepreneurship
Presentation Techniques and the Basics of Photography
Chemistry I, Continuation
Museology II: Collection Care
Stitching Techniques in Textile Conservation
Conservation Project II: Organic and Inorganic Materials (Conservation of Ethnographical Material), cont. Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project III: Conservation of Modern Materials
Conservation Project IV: Costume Conservation
Conservation Project V: Conservation of Mixed Media Textiles
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Advanced Professional Project
Internship I
Internship II
Bachelor's Thesis
Not grouped
Textile Materials, Structures and Fibre Identification
Paper Manufacture, Fibre Identification and Degradation

Code Name Credits (cr)
KXA23S1-1001
Orientative Studies

(Choose all)

45
KX00FH03 Orientative Studies and Study Skills 5
KX00FH04 Professional Swedish 5
KX00FH05 Professional English 5
KX00FH06 Professional Communication 5
KX00FH07 Methodology and Research Communication 5
KX00FH08 Project Management and Entrepreneurship 5
KX00FH09 Textile History 5
KX00FH10 Presentation Techniques and the Basics of Photography 5
KX00FH11 Art, Cultural and Material History 5
KXA23S1-1002
Basics of Professional Studies

(Choose all)

40
KX00FH12 Introduction to Conservation 5
KX00FH13 Chemistry I 5
KX00FH14 Chemistry I, Continuation 5
KX00FH15 Chemistry II 5
KX00FH16 History, Philosophy and Ethics in Conservation 5
KX00FH17 Textile Materials, Structures and Fibre Identification 5
KX00FH18 Paper Manufacture, Fibre Identification and Degradation 5
KX00FH19 Dyeing and Colour Theory 5
KXA23S1-1003
Professional Studies

(Choose all)

95
KX00FH20 Museology I and Museography: Climate and Indoor Environment 5
KX00FH21 Museology II: Collection Care 5
KX00FH22 Stitching Techniques in Textile Conservation 5
KX00FH23 Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation I 5
KX00FH24 Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation II 5
KX00FH25 The Basics of Cleaning, Patching and Supporting Paper 5
KX00FH26 Adhesives and Their Use in Conservation 5
KX00FH27 Organic and Inorganic Materials 5
KX00FH28 Identification of Plastics, Chemistry, and Degradation 5
KX00FH30 Conservation Project II: Organic and Inorganic Materials (Conservation of Ethnographical Material), cont. Analytical Research Methods 10
KX00FH31 Conservation Project III: Conservation of Modern Materials 5
KX00FH32 Conservation Project IV: Costume Conservation 10
KX00FH33 Conservation Project V: Conservation of Mixed Media Textiles 5
XX00DZ39 Multidisciplinary Innovation Project 10
KX00FH39 Advanced Professional Project 10
KXA23S1-1004
Elective Studies

(Choose ects: 15)

15
KXA23S1-1005
Internships

(Choose all)

30
KX00EP15 Internship I 15
KX00EP16 Internship II 15
KXA23S1-1008
Bachelor's Thesis

(Choose all)

15
KX00EP18 Bachelor's Thesis 15