The purpose of the course is to give the student basic knowledge on the characteristics of biodeteriogen agents and on biotederioration processes of cultural heritage. Furthermore the course aims to highlight the technologies for the control of biological growth on works of art.

1-Introduction to biodeterioration of cultural heritage. 2-The Reigns of organisms.3-Structural and functional characteristics of prokaryotic cell. 4-Microbial growth. 5-Eukaryotic organisms: Fungi and Sweeds. 6-Morphology and physiology of lichens.7-Notions of Bryophyta and Vascular Plants. 8-Factors affecting the biological deterioration of work of arts; 9-Responses of microorganisms to environmental stress: bacterial endospores; the viable but non-culturable state in bacteria. 10-Microbial biofilms. 11-Microbial metabolism: patterns of energy-yelding metabolism. 12-Mechanisms and phenomenology of biodeterioration. 13-Notions of xilophage insects: Coleoptera and Isoptera. 14-Characterization of biodeterioration of wood, texiles, paper, parchment, leather, glass, stone, composite materials. 15-Methods to prevent biodeterioration. 16-Control of biodeterioration; 17-Biorestoration. 18-Methodologies and techniques for the characterization of biodeteriogen microorganisms.
Students will perform the following lab experiences:
-techniques of sampling, cultivation and identification of biodeteriogen microorganisms.
-evaluation of sensibility of the biodeteriogen microorganisms to biocides used in the restoration of cultural heritage.

Students must have passed the Biochemistry examination

D1- KNOWLEDGE AND  UNDERSTANDING.  Students will acquire basic knowledge on the morphological and functional aspects of organisms  responsible for the deterioration of artifacts with particular reference to woodwork and canvas .   They will also have to acquire  knowledge of  factors that regulate growth and metabolic activities in relation to the development of biodeteriogens in artistic artifacts, as well as on the prevention  and control measures  of biodeterioration. They  must also know the main techniques  for  sampling  and identification of micro-organisms growing on works of art.

D2- APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.  Students  must be able to apply  knowledge and skills acquired during the course to the identification and resolution of problems related to the development of biodeteriogens on the artifacts. In particular, they must demonstrate ability to apply methods and tools  for the preservation and restoration of works of art.
D3- MAKING JUDGMENTS. Students must show that they have acquired skill in critical interpretation  of the scientific data and demonstrate to be able to evaluate, in an independent manner, the nature of the phenomena of biodeterioration of works of art. They also should  be able to make autonomous decisions on the most appropriate survey methods and their conformity with the scientific method.
D4- COMMUNICATION SKILLS. Students will be able to communicate in written, oral or multi-media way the acquired knowledge and to know how to interface with  interlocutors of their and  other sectors, and to  demonstrate ability to work in groups as well.
D5- LEARNING SKILLS.  Students will be able  to study independently and deepen their skill by means of consultation of library materials, databases and website information peculiar to the sector.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Lectures and lab experiences

Attendance

None. In any case attendance to lectures and lab activities is recommended

Course books

BIOLOGIA VEGETALE PER I BENI CULTURALI-Vol I -Caneva Giulia-Nugari Mari Pia-Slavadori Ornella - Nardini Editore
FUNGHI E INSETTI NEL LEGNO-Diagnosi, Prevenzione, Controllo Gambetta Anna - Nardini Editore
A scelta:
PRESCOTT- MICROBIOLOGIA - Vol. 1 e 2 -Mc Graw-Hill
BROCK - BIOLOGIA DEI MICRORGANISMI - Vol. 1 e 2A - Martinko John M. - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Assessment

Oral examination. Questions will arise on any topic discussed in the Course

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Students will follow the same directions given for those attending

Attendance

Students will follow the same directions given for those attending

Course books

Students will follow the same directions given for those attending

Assessment

Students will follow the same directions given for those attending

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Supported Course (English)