Surface Condition Monitoring
Started Jun 4, 2025
5 credits
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Full course description
Learn to perform spectral analyses of rock art in the field.
This credential will provide learners with the skills and knowledge required to conduct spectral analysis of various rock types.
PLEASE NOTE: Content will be delivered online and face-to-face on country.
This credential is particularly suitable for:
- Rangers from the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC).
By completing this credential you will learn to:
- understand the principles of spectral analyses of rock surfaces
- be able to conduct spectral analyses using specialist equipment
- be able to operate and maintain the specialist equipment for spectral analysis.
Assessment(s)
To successfully complete this credential, you are required to pass a final assessment. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will complete a face-to-face assessment where you are asked to demonstrate how to operate equipment including practical scenarios of measuring spectra on various types of rocks. You will also be required to answer questions online regarding equipment operation and maintenance.
Senior Lecturer, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Dr David Belton is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Curtin University, specialising in surveying and spatial sciences. His research focuses on laser scanning and photogrammetry, with an emphasis on automated processing, data classification and segmentation. He has worked across diverse platforms, including terrestrial and mobile mapping systems, UAVs, and underwater laser scanning, applying these technologies in fields such as mining, agriculture, engineering, heritage documentation, and urban analysis.
Holding a PhD in Spatial Sciences from Curtin University, Dr Belton has contributed to more than 40 peer-reviewed publications and supervised numerous postgraduate research students. He is an active member of the spatial sciences community, serving on the Western Australian committee of the Spatial Sciences and Surveying Institute (SSSI) and as a member of the ISPRS Working Group I/10. Dr Belton also plays a key role in teaching topics such as mine surveying, photogrammetry, and coordinate systems, and serves as a regular reviewer for leading journals in his field.
Dr David Belton
Fine Art Conservator & Heritage Science Specialist
Andrew Thorn is a fine art conservator with a long-standing career in the preservation and scientific analysis of cultural heritage materials. He plays a key role in the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program, where he contributes specialist knowledge in spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, and microscopic colour analysis to assess and monitor changes to ancient rock art sites. His work supports a collaborative effort between researchers and Traditional Owners to safeguard one of the world’s most significant cultural landscapes.
Andrew’s conservation experience spans decades and includes notable projects such as the documentation and treatment of historic interiors at Villa Alba in Melbourne and the conservation of the Keith Haring mural at the former Collingwood Technical School. His practice bridges art conservation and scientific research, with a strong emphasis on material integrity, environmental impact assessment, and respectful cultural engagement.
Once you successfully complete and pass the final assessment, you'll earn a digital badge that is instantly shareable to your social networks (including LinkedIn) which showcases your new skills and knowledge mastery.
This credential provides foundation knowledge in a discipline and doesn't require previous knowledge.
You will also earn 5 credit points which are in line with Australian Qualification Framework Level 8 criteria, ensuring comprehensive theoretical and/or technical knowledge of the credential. 100 credit points are required to earn a Graduate Certificate at Curtin.
Curtin Credentials focus on five themes that align with industry values and apply to diverse workplaces. To see the current range of Curtin Credentials, visit Curtin Credentials.
For more information on this, or any other questions about Curtin Credentials, email us at curtincredentials@curtin.edu.au or call Curtin Connect at 1300 222 888.
✝This credential involves 30 hours of online resources, readings, activities and assessments. However to pass and earn 5 credit points, you may need to commit further time.
^A mix of online and face-to-face learning.
Back to Rock Art Environmental Monitoring
Duration: 30 hours
Length: 5 days over 5 months✝
Delivery Mode: Blended^