54724 - Chemical Diagnostics for Cultural Heritage

Academic Year 2024/2025

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Chemistry and Materials Chemistry (cod. 8006)

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, the student has basic knowledge of the composition, causes, and processes of degradation, as well as materials and methods for intervention on stone artifacts, metals, wall paintings, and furniture of archaeological and historical-artistic interest. They know the most appropriate chemical methodologies for material characterization of cultural heritage. Specifically, they understand:

- The chemical-physical characteristics of various types of cultural heritage, their degradation mechanisms, and intervention materials and methods.

- The main analytical chemical investigations for characterizing cultural heritage.

Course contents

  • Constituent materials of cultural heritage (types and classification)
  • Chemical characterization of materials
  • Degradation processes
  • Diagnostics of the conservation state
  • Materials and methods for restoration
  • Readings/Bibliography

    Lectures' slides

    M.Matteini, R.Mazzeo, A.Moles. Chemistry for restoration: painting and restoration materials. Nardini editore, Firenze 2016.

    Teaching methods

    The course will consist of classroom lectures with PowerPoint presentations and video

    Assessment methods

    The final exam consists of a discussion on the topics covered in class, aimed at the evaluation of the theoretical knowledge acquired during the course, the possession of a specific language and the acquisition of an organic vision of the topics covered in class.
    Good or excellent grades can be achieved by students who demonstrate a critical knowledge of the subject, who are able to apply theoretical concepts to practical examples and make use of an appropriate language. Mostly mnemonic knowledge, limited abilities of synthesis and analysis and imprecise language lead to grades ranging from discrete to sufficient. Important gaps, inappropriate language, lack of an overview of the topics covered will inevitably lead to a barely adeguate grade or to a negative evaluation.

    Teaching tools

    PC, projector

    Office hours

    See the website of Giorgia Sciutto