Lecture, three hours. Introduction to important scientific parameters in conservation of materials that are of great importance for both fundamental science and practical applications. Students gain better understanding of intrinsic properties of materials, mechanisms of deterioration, and conservation treatments. General chemistry, physics, and physical chemistry (atomic structure bonding, etc.), fluid transfer in porous materials, diffusion, interfaces, surface tension, wetting, adsorption, adhesion, dissolution and crystallization, mechanical properties (properties/charactization), phase transformations (glass, metals, polymers). Letter grading.