Courses on structure and decay of ancient and historic materials

The Structure & Decay of Ancient and Historic Materials
Department of Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford, UK.

This new series of material science based intensive short courses
and part-time postgraduate programme aims to promote a greater
understanding of the nature and degradation of ancient and historic
objects.

Programme for 1999

Structure and Decay of Cultural Materials
19th - 23rd April

    As the first in the series, the aim of this module is to
    introduce students to a wide range of organic and inorganic
    materials. Materials degradation will be considered in relation
    to both burial and non-burial environments. Agents of
    deterioration and preservation; including organisms, light,
    humidity, temperature, and redox conditions will be discussed.
    The laboratory sessions develop skills in the analysis,
    documentation and interpretation of cultural materials.

Methods of Technical Examination I: Radiographic Imaging
24th - 28th May

    The aim of this module is to provide students with an in-depth
    understanding of the theory and practice of radiographic imaging
    in the analysis of cultural material. The application of medical
    and industrial techniques will be reviewed with reference to the
    technical examination of historic objects, archaeological
    artefacts and skeletal material. Issues of quality control,
    health and safety and COSHH assessment will also be discussed.

Materials and Technology
28th June - 2nd July

    The aim of this module is to introduce students to the
    technology and production of metals and alloys, glass and
    ceramics. It will examine both the practical and chemical
    processes involved in the conversion of raw materials to final
    product. The laboratory sessions allow students to develop
    skills in microscopy, metallography of copper alloys, iron and
    steels, preparation of samples and the identification of
    characteristic microstructures.

Ancient and Historic Textiles
13th- 17th December

    This module will discuss the production of textiles from the raw
    materials to the finished product. The emphasis will be on
    identification of fibre and fabric structures through
    examination and analysis. Pre-industrial and early mechanised
    textile production will be reviewed with reference to case
    studies from various cultural--historical contexts. Students
    will be introduced to the source and basic chemistry of natural
    and early synthetic dyes and methods for their identification.

Tuition fees for each course:
Assessed Option - UKP290
Un-assessed Option - UKP220

Other modules to follow:
Microscopy and Instrumental Analysis Easter 2000)
Metallic Corrosion (June 2000)
Conservation & the Care of Collections (December 2000)
Experimental Design in Conservation Science (Easter 2001)

For further details visit our web page
<URL:www.brad.ac.uk/acad/archsci/depart/pgrad/strucdec/>

or contact:

    The Postgraduate Secretary
    Department of Archaeological Sciences
    University of Bradford
    W. Yorks, UK
    BD7 1DP
    +44 1274 235534
    Fax: +44 1274 235190

Or e-mail:

    John McIlwaine
    Co-ordinator for Continuing & Professional Education
    j.j.mcilwaine [at] bradford__ac__uk

Diane Charlton

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:64
                Distributed: Thursday, February 4, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-64-014
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