The UCLA/Getty Master’s Program in the Conservation of Archaeological and Ethnographic Materials will equip students with a range of skills and knowledge that will help them respond effectively to changing needs and conditions in the field of ethnographic and archaeological conservation. The courses will stress the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and decision-making, and prepare students to operate in a number of potential contexts.

YEAR 1

Fall

• Deterioration & Conservation of Inorganic Materials I: Ceramics, Glass: CAEM 230
• Introduction to Archaeological Materials Science: Scientific Methodologies, Techniques and Interpretation: CAEM M210/ Mat Sci CM212/Mat Sci M112
• Ancient materials: Technology and Characterization: ARCHAEL C110/C210
• Digital Imaging and Documentation for Art and Archaeology: CAEM M215

Winter: 

• Conservation Principles and Decisions: ARCHAEL 220
• Science of Conservation Materials and Methods I:  CAEM M216
• Deterioration & Conservation of Materials II: Stone and Metals: CAEM 234
• Deterioration & Conservation of Organic Materials I: CAEM 232

Spring:

• Materials and Techniques of Archaeological Wall Paintings, Rock Art and Mosaics: CAEM M250/ Mat Sci M215/Art His M203F
• Deterioration & Conservation of Metals III: CAEM 239
• Deterioration & Conservation of Organic Materials II: CAEM 238  
• Elective or Directed Independent Studies: CAEM 596

YEAR 2

Fall: 

• Deterioration & Conservation of in Situ Archaeological and Cultural Materials: CAEM236/ Mat Sci M213
• Environmental Protection of Collections: CAEM M240
• Deterioration & Conservation of Organic Materials III: CAEM 241
• Elective or Directed Independent Studies: CAEM 596

Winter: 

• Ethnography and Conservation Needs:  CAEM 222
• Issues in the Preservation and Management of Archaeological Sites: CAEM 224
• MA Thesis Preparation: CAEM 598
• Elective or Directed Independent Studies: CAEM 596

Spring: 

• Managing Collections for Museums, Libraries and Archives CAEM 242/IS 289
• MA Thesis Preparation: CAEM 598
• Elective or Directed Independent Studies: CAEM 596

In addition, students will undertake a summer internship between their first and second years, and an internship during the third year of the program.

*For the elective, students can take either a course offered at UCLA or register for Directed Individual Studies (CAEM 596) with one of the faculty members to undertake a research project or conservation treatment for the term.

Other Courses taught by our faculty include:

Archaeology C180/C280 – Ancient and Historic Metals: Corrosion, Technology, and Microstructure – David A. Scott

This course is an overview of the technology of ancient metals, aspects of extraction and alloying, corrosion that ancient metals undergo, and how this impacts their preservation. The course explores the knowledge and research work of the last two decades that has substantially advanced the understanding of processes of extraction, alloying, surface patination, metallic coatings, corrosion, and microstructure. Laboratory work is conducted in the preparation and examination of metallic samples under the microscope, and lectures are given on the technology of metallic works of art. The discussion of phase and stability diagrams of common alloying systems and environments is included. Students have the opportunity to examine and learn about metallographic study samples representing Bronze Age Europe, Renaissance Europe, China from Warring States to Tang dynasty, Japanese sword making, Indian high-tin bronze alloys, bronzes, and Peruvian, Colombian, Costa Rican, and Panamanian copper and gold-copper alloys.

Art History C103D – Issues in Materials Preservation – David A. Scott

This course will provide an introduction to the preservation of cultural heritage materials. What should be preserved and why, as well as who should be involved in the decision-making process will be addressed. Issues of the preservation and restoration of these cultural materials will be discussed both in museum and outdoor environment contexts. Materials and techniques used to make cultural heritage materials will be briefly described, in relation to the preservation efforts needed to prevent decay and loss.

Chemistry & Biochemistry 19 – Chemistry and Art: A Dialogue – David A. Scott

This Fiat Lux Freshman Seminar explores the relationships between chemistry and art and how modern chemical knowledge can be used to analyze the composition of artifacts, ranging from ancient pigments to Renaissance metals. The ability to authenticate works of art is an important part of the chemical investigation of antiquities, which will be discussed in this seminar.