Conservation of Archaeological Materials (10 ECTS)

Objective

The student understands the context of archaeological finds and comprehends the conservator's role in the excavation process. They are proficient in handling archaeological material in the field and laboratory. They understand the significance of conditions in the preservation of archaeological material. The student can handle and examine fragile archaeological finds in collaboration with researchers. They understand the principles of X-ray imaging and can interpret X-ray images. The student masters the methods of mechanical cleaning and can use them judiciously. They are proficient in various stabilization treatments for different types of archaeological objects.

Content

Handling, packaging, transportation, documentation methods, X-ray imaging
Methods of mechanical cleaning
Stabilization methods, salt removal methods, chloride measurements, rinsing, protection methods and materials
Environmental control in storage and exhibition spaces

Location and time

Course is held at Arabia campus, Hämeentie 135 D

Materials

Literature list and study hand outs are given in autumn

Teaching methods

Tuition mostly in Finnish, lecture, contact teaching, guided assignments, visits, laboratory works, independent work with literature.

Employer connections

Student get familiar with archaeological material conservation by visits, lectures and hands-on conservation.

Completion alternatives

No options

Student workload

The weekly working hours of a student is 1,5 cr which is equivalent to 40 hours of studies. 40 hours is formed from approx. 17 hours of contact studies with a lecturer. The remaining hours is spent by independent literature survey or practical work. 1 credit (cr) is equivalent to 27 hours (h).

Content scheduling

Course is held in connection with "metal corrosion" course

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has a lot of absences from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and learning assignments is unsatisfactory. The student should improve her/his group working abilities. The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the work is limited and therefore the problem solving and ability to apply theoretical studies to a practical work need to be improved. The student does not work independently and there is a lot of need for teacher’s further guidance. The student has not given a requisite amount of attention for the subject and the result of the course is unbalanced. The student needs to improve her/his skills and knowledge in many areas.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has taken part to all of the teaching sessions and learning assignments and the activity for the course is good. The student acts flexibly as a group member. The studies proceed coherently. The student is able to understand the basic motifs of the course and is able to apply theoretical studies to a practical work. The reasoning of the rehearsal works is competent and the student understands causes and consequences of one's choice. The student works independently but there is still need for teacher’s further guidance. The student has given a requisite amount of attention for the subject and the result of the course is balanced. The student has achieved a good level at her/his skills and knowledge.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The course objectives have been achieved in a competent manner. Student has taken actively and constructively part to the teaching and learning assignments. Student’s function enhances group activities. The student masters the motifs of the course and prerequisites and is able to apply theoretical studies to a practical work. The reasoning of the rehearsal works is professional and the student can validate causes and consequences of one's choice. The student works independently enough. The student is able to master the whole of subject both in theory and practice. The student has achieved an excellent level at her/his skills and knowledge.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student has a lot of absences from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and learning assignments is unsatisfactory. The student should improve her/his group working abilities. The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the work is limited and therefore the problem solving and ability to apply theoretical studies to a practical work need to be improved. The student does not work independently and there is a lot of need for teacher’s further guidance. The student has not given a requisite amount of attention for the subject and the result of the course is unbalanced. The student needs to improve her/his skills and knowledge in many areas.

Assessment methods and criteria

Continuous evaluation, participation in course, exercises