ENG2121 - Diagnostics for cultural heritage - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Engineering

Coordinator(s)

Prof. Maurizio Seracini

Not offered in 2017

Synopsis

Introduction to Diagnostics for Cultural heritage is a lecture course with case studies analysis and field sessions, covering techniques and methodologies applied to the field of Diagnostics of Cultural Heritage artefacts. Students will be introduced to the use of state-of-the-art technologies and participate in field studies in Florence and Prato on paintings, architectural monuments and archaeological sites.

The unit will cover five main topics:

  • Diagnostic multi-spectral imaging
  • Analytical Diagnostics
  • 3D Scanning
  • Geophysical survey
  • Archaeometry

This two-week course introduces participants to the fascinating yet very complex field of Conservation Science applied to Art, Architecture and Archaeology and allows them to have the opportunity to be directly involved in studies on CH artifacts in a lab environment and in the field, using state of the art technologies.

A basic knowledge of chemistry, physics and history of art, architecture and archaeology is beneficial but not mandatory.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Understand how cultural heritage artefacts can be analysed to identify its properties, materials used.
  2. Understand the decay processes and techniques originally used in the manufacturing/building process of cultural heritage artefacts.
  3. Assess the state of conservation for artefacts.
  4. Understand the search and discovery of new archaeological sites with non-invasive airborne or ground technologies.

Assessment

Project: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Co-requisites

None

Prohibitions

None