Outline

Overview

The aims of this unit are to develop skills in the methods and practices of conservation at an accepted professional level, and to interpret and apply the theory taught in the mandatory core of the course in practical, on-site projects. The unit focuses on culturally significant structures and cultural landscapes and includes: locating, describing and recording components with possible heritage value; identifying and reading historic fabric; historic and archival research methods; thematic history methods; investigation natural systems, settlements; undertaking material and stylistic analysis; and the use of evaluation methodology to develop appropriate conservation actions (conservation and management plans, policies and strategies). At the end of the unit the student will successfully demonstrate: an understanding of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter and the ability to prepare, in accordance with current accepted professional practice, a conservation plan of a place or places of cultural significance. The assignments are constructed to allow each student to demonstrate his or her level of understanding of the accepted professional methodology and practice in the preparation and presentation of a conservation management plan.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Urban and Regional Planning and Policy
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Matt Devine, matthew.devine@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	ASSESSMENT 3: Conservation management plan Written assessment and presentation	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:00 Closing date: 04 Dec 2025	To be added by the unit coordinator	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	ASSESSMENT 4: Group participation report Written assessment	10%	Formal exam period Due date: 18 Nov 2025 at 23:00 Closing date: 02 Dec 2025	1 page	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	ASSESSMENT 2: Significance assessment and statement of significance Written assessment	40%	Week 08 Due date: 28 Sep 2025 at 23:00 Closing date: 03 Oct 2025	To be added by the unit coordinator	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	ASSESSMENT 1: Interactive Oral Assessment Interactive Oral Assessment on the heritage assessment process	10%	Week 12 Due date: 28 Oct 2025 at 09:00 Closing date: 28 Oct 2025	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Significance assessment and statement of significance: While the historic research and site analysis will be carried out as a group, this assignment requires each student to prepare (in written form) a summary of the site’s history and description, followed by an analysis of the seven major criteria for significance and a statement of cultural significance of each group’s chosen site.
Conservation management plan: As a group, students will prepare a brief presentation on the site, containing a statement of significance and draft policies. This assignment requires students to work in a group to prepare a written Conservation Management Plan for a place nominated from the list provided.
Group participation report: Each student will be required to complete a 1-page submission outlining the involvement of themselves and their colleagues in the group project.
Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have reasonable evidence to support their absence, may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	a. Unit introduction; Matt Devine b. The conservation management plan: an introduction; Cameron Logan c. Course outline / assessments: Matt Devine d. Conservation Principles and Processes I: Matt Devine	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	a) Conservation Principles and Processes II: Matt Devine JohnPaul Cenzato – Research tools b) Historic Research I: Olivia Turner, TKD Architects c) Curtilages: Matt Devine c) Site consideration & discussion: Matt Devine d) Investigating the place: Matt Devine	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	a) Social Value: James Lesh SITE VISIT b) Anzac Memorial CMP: A case study: Matt Devine c) Client meeting: Kristy Wellfare, Team Leader – Heritage, Woollahra Municipal Council	Field trip (4 hr)
Week 04	a) Understanding and Acknowledging Country – engagement ðhics: Matt Devine b) Cultural Landscapes: Matt Devine c) Fabric Investigation: Alan Croker, Design 5	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	9-10 c) Assessing Cultural Significance I: Matt Devine 10.45-11.45 SITE VISIT: SLNSW 12-1 SITE VISIT: MHNSW	Field trip (4 hr)
Week 06	a) Assessing Heritage Significance II: Matt Devine b) Historic themes: Matt Devine c) Assessing Heritage Significance III: Matt Devine c) Submission Update: Matt Devine	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	a) Assessing Heritage Significance II: Matt Devine b) Writing history for a CMP: Matt Devine c) Assessing Heritage Significance III: Matt Devine d) comparative analyses	Field trip (4 hr)
Week 08	a) Heritage NSW: Anna London b) State Archives: TBC	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	a) Constraints, Issues and Opportunities: Matt Devine b) Comparative Analyses: Matt Devine c) Grading of components: Matt Devine	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	a) Historic Research II: Meg Quinlisk Assessment 1 - Feedback: Matt Devine b) Vulnerabilities and Client Needs: Sheridan Burke, Sheridan Burke Heritage Consultants c) Policies in CMPs: Matt Devine	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	a) Policy Development I: Matt Devine b) Client needs: Kristy Wellfare, Woollahra Council b) Implementation & Schedules: Matt Devine c) Moral rights: Matt Devine d) Interpretation: Matt Devine	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	a) Policy Development I: Matt Devine a) Conservation Policies – Writing Workshop: Tracey Skovronek, Purcell & Julian Siu, GML Heritage & Matt Devine b) Group time	Workshop (4 hr)
Week 13	a) CMP Presentations and Feedback: Matt Devine	Presentation (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance at all site visits and field trips is a mandatory requirement of the course. Failure to attend all such events without approved Special Consideration will result in assessment being withheld.

Students must attend 90% of this unit's timetabled activities to satisfy attendance requirements, or risk failing the unit. Late arrival or early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who are unable to attend class due to illness or misadventure must provide reasonable evidence to support their absence to be considered for an exemption from the attendance threshold. In this case, students may be offered the opportunity to complete an alternative assessment to meet the pass requirement for the unit.
Students are expected to be actively engaged in their learning during class. This includes coming to class prepared (e.g. completed readings etc) and making respectful and appropriate contributions to class discussions.
Students should refer to the School of Architecture, Design and Planning resolutions for specific information relating to attendance and participation: https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2022/542&RendNum=0

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Kerr, J S, The Conservation Plan, (7th Edition) Australia ICOMOS, 2013. The Burra Charter, Australia ICOMOS, 2013.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate an understanding of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter
LO2. demonstrate skill in methods and techniques of analysis, assessment, and documentation of cultural significance
LO3. demonstrate the ability to prepare, in accordance with current accepted professional practice, a conservation management plan for a place or places of cultural significance
LO4. demonstrate the ability to engage with a client and understand their needs and the constraints on their actions
LO5. demonstrate the ability to develop relevant policies and strategies for the conservation of a variety places of cultural significance
LO6. demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Reviewed class activities and invited guests to ensure a balance of disciplinary knowledges and professional competencies are represented.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARCH9028: Conservation Methods and Practices

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links