Analytical and Imaging Techniques for Heritage Objects

Programme info

Micro-credential: Analytical and Imaging Techniques for Heritage Objects

Programme info

Micro-credential: Analytical and Imaging Techniques for Heritage Objects


Course content

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

Practical organisation

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.

Learning outcomes

This micro-credential focuses on the following learning outcomes.

1. The participant is familiar with the imaging techniques that are most commonly used in the heritage field.

2. The participant is familiar with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as an analytical technique in heritage science.

3. The participant understands the underlying working principles of the research techniques discussed.

4. The participant knows the most important hardware parts of the instrumental setups, their function as well as the instrumental state-of-the-art of each method.

5. The participant comprehends the measurement parameters of the research methods discussed and the impact of varying these settings on the results.

6. The participant appreciates the specific applications, possibilities, and limitations of each technique.

7. The participant can correctly interpret the measurement results of each technique.

8. The participant can situate these research methods in a general, application-oriented research methodology for heritage objects and is able to tailor such a methodology for a specific object under investigation.

9. The participant is able to use these diagnostic research techniques to (a) identify the constituent materials of heritage objects, (b) characterize their production technology,and (c) determine their condition in the context of a material-technical examination.

Assessment

Examination

  • Written without oral explanation
  • Electronic
  • Closed book
  • Multiple choice questions
  • Open questions 

Continuous assessment

  • Assignments (no 2nd exam opportunity possible) 

Participants must succeed for each part of the examination.