Material Culture Conservation
Program Overview
The Material Culture Conservation program is an 8-term Bachelor's degree that combines the study of ancient materials with modern conservation techniques. It equips students with the skills to preserve cultural artifacts in museums, libraries, and archaeological sites, and prepares them for careers in academia, heritage management, and research. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach and the use of advanced methods to care for and conserve material culture. Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including academia, cultural heritage management, and research.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Material Culture Conservation program is a Bachelor's degree in Humanities and Social Studies, lasting 8 terms (likely semesters) and totaling 144 credit hours. The program uses an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating modern methods of care and conservation of cultural materials. It aims to equip students with the administrative and technical skills needed to actively participate in preserving cultural materials in museums, libraries, and archaeological sites. The program's objectives include attaining adequate knowledge of preservation, conservation, and restoration techniques; conducting applied research using various skills; relating to modern scientific methods in conservation; creating practical conservation methods; acquiring knowledge of museum and site management; formulating academic opinions on preservation theories; developing strategic plans for material culture care; and attaining knowledge of laws and legislations related to material culture conservation.
Outline:
The program is structured around a core curriculum, a concentration (presumably Material Culture Conservation), and electives. In the third and fourth years, electives can be grouped into two themes: conservation of cultural materials and architectural conservation. Students can choose one theme or mix them. A selection of courses includes:
- Term 2: Rhetoric in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage II, World Archaeology II, Archaeological Illustration, Introduction to Biology, Science and Technology of the Ancient Societies, Introduction to Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology.
- Term 3: Introduction to the History of the Classical World, Introduction to African Archaeology, World Archaeology II, Introduction to Museum and Exhibition Management, Digital Heritage, Introduction to Coptic Archaeology.
- Term 4: Introduction to Islamic Archaeology, Heritage Site Management and Fundamentals of Conservation, Personal Leadership Development, Archaeology Theory and Practice, Advanced and Critical Museology, Introduction to Cultural Anthropology.
- Term 5: Heritage Ethics and Politics, Heritage and Media I, Introduction to Conservation and Restoration Theory and Practice, Care and Conservation of Oil Paintings, Restoration and Conservation of Wooden Material Culture, Minerals and Rocks in Archaeology.
- Term 6: Archaeological Chemistry, Heritage and Media II, Restoration and Conservation of Archaeological Textile and Rugs, Restoration and Conservation of Mural Paintings, Restoration and Conservation of Stones, Examination and Analysis of Inorganic Materials, Practicum.
- Term 7: Critical Heritage Studies, Bioarchaeology, Care and Conservation of Manuscripts I: Archaeological Papyrus and Parchment, Restoration and Conservation of Material Culture: Metals and Alloys.
- Term 8: Ethnoarchaeology and Archaeological Ethnography, Computational Archaeology: GIS, 3D Scanning and Remote Sensing, Care and Conservation of Manuscripts II: Books and Archival Documents, Bachelor Thesis.
Careers:
Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors: academia (research or instruction), foreign missions and salvage projects, international funding boards (USAID, EU Commission, UNDP, World Bank, Agha Khan Foundation, UNESCO), cultural heritage management (post-conflict zones), writing and media (conservation), governmental entities (conservation), research (libraries, museums, sites), tourism (study tours), and private/public companies specializing in preservation, conservation, and restoration of material culture.
Other:
The program description mentions that the study of material culture conservation is applied and systematic, focusing on the history and techniques of cultural materials in various ancient civilizations. It emphasizes the use of modern and advanced methods and techniques of examination and analysis through an interdisciplinary approach. The program aims to provide students with the skills to actively participate in preserving cultural materials. A prerequisite for entry into the Material Culture Conservation track in the third year is a "Science" high school degree (Thanawiya Amma or equivalent).
Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport
Overview:
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) is a renowned University dedicated to providing high-quality multidisciplinary education and training in maritime, medical sciences, engineering & technology, management, social sciences & humanities fields. its a leading International University in the Arab world, fostering excellence in education, research, development, and innovation.
Services Offered:
AASTMT offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Banking Services:
- Access to banking facilities for financial transactions.
Medical Services:
- On-campus medical clinic for student healthcare.
Transportation Services:
- Transportation services for students to navigate between campuses and facilities.
Outdoor Workshops and Exhibitions:
- Opportunities for students to participate in workshops and exhibitions.
Student Accommodation and Dorms:
- On-campus accommodation options for students.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
AASTMT provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:
Music Concerts:
- Performances by famous artists.
Academic Competitions:
- Opportunities to participate in academic competitions across various disciplines.
Seminars and Workshops:
- A diverse selection of seminars and workshops to enhance knowledge and skills.
Acting & Performing Arts:
- Opportunities for students to explore their talents in acting and performing arts.
Cultural Activities:
- A variety of fun and cultural activities to enrich student life.
Key Reasons to Study There:
AASTMT offers several advantages and unique aspects that make it an attractive choice for students:
Maritime Sector Focus:
- Strong emphasis on maritime education and training.
Programs Diversity:
- A wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.
Practical Training:
- Opportunities for practical training both locally and internationally.
Professors & Faculty Members:
- Experienced and qualified faculty members.
Extensive Library Network:
- Access to 11+ libraries across campuses.
International Cooperations:
- Partnerships with 51+ international institutions.
Multiple Campuses:
- 8+ campuses across Egypt.
Entrepreneurship Focus:
- Dedicated center for entrepreneurship development.
Academic Programs:
AASTMT offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Studies:
- Programs in maritime transport, technology, engineering, and other related fields.
Postgraduate Studies:
- Master's and PhD programs in various specializations.
Professional Certificates:
- Specialized certificates in areas like freight forwarding, supply chain management, and maritime safety.
Other:
Entry Requirements:
a. Completion of secondary education certificate or equivalent certificates according to the particular requirements of each major. b. Meeting the minimum score required to join the college which is announced before the beginning of each semester, in light of the minimum score mandated by AASTMT, as well as the annually announced terms, regulations and qualifying courses per certificate as specified by the Supreme Council of Education Affairs. c. Being physically fit as per stipulated levels. d. Showing good conduct with no dishonouring judicial sentence issued against them. e. Submission of all required admission documents. f. Approval of delegating entities in case of student’s delegation from any country or authority. g. Passing admission exams determined by AASTMT. h. Pledging to follow AASTMT rules and regulations. Students wanting to join the Material Culture Conservation Track in their third year must have a “Science” high school degree in Thanawiya Amma or its equivalent.
