54724 - Chemical Diagnostics for Cultural Heritage

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 an oral interview on the topics covered during the course. It aims to assess the acquired knowledge, critical and methodological skills, specific terminology, and an overall understanding of the subjects discussed.

The ability to present concepts with fluency, excellent command of language, strong integration of acquired knowledge, and critical thinking will be rewarded with top grades (30 cum laude – 29).

Thorough knowledge of the concepts and good language skills, even if some support from the instructor is needed to make connections between topics, will result in high to mid-range grades (28–26).

Primarily rote memorization, limited analytical and summarizing skills, and/or language that is not always appropriate will lead to grades ranging from satisfactory to sufficient (25–20).

Significant gaps in knowledge and inadequate language use will result in a barely passing grade (18) if a minimal factual foundation is demonstrated, or a failing grade in the case of more serious deficiencies.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PC, projector

Office hours

See the website of Giorgia Sciutto