Heritage science is cross-disciplinary scientific research of cultural heritage, for its conservation, interpretation and management.
The course will explore the world of conservation science, namely the questions, methods and modes of operation of scientific research in museums and heritage sites. The students will carry out several case studies on-site in an operating mobile laboratory for the study of artifacts, mosaics and wall paintings to determine their technology and material composition, which will be used to write a simulated publication or report in the field of heritage science.. The course will include field trips to a museum and archaeological site that undergo conservation efforts and participate in their scientific studies. The students will be divided into groups for the research, analysis and reports.
Day 1 - WIS
Lecture 1 : Introduction to Scientific Methods Applications in Heritage Science part I
Lecture 2 : Introduction to Scientific Methods Applications in Heritage Science part II
Lecture 3 : Case studies in conservation science using portable laboratory on-site
Lecture 4 : Demonstration of POL optical light microscope, Multispectral camera, FTIR, XRF.
Day 2 – Israel Museum
Solving real conservation questions in the museum environment, using a portable laboratory
Day 3 – Herodium, The Theater’s Royal Guest Chamber Frescoes
Solving real conservation questions in the field, using a portable laboratory
Day 4 - WIS
Workgroups : Data interpretation, writing a report and preparing a presentation
Presentations : Each group presents the question, results and conclusions
Concluding discussion