OVERVIEW

The “Chemico-Physical methodologies for Cultural Assets” course is characterised by an experimental approach instrumental to the material study of artistic archaeological assets. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The “Chemico-Physical methodologies for Cultural Assets” course aims to give students the Chemico-Physical tools necessary to characterise and diagnose the different material that makes up archaeological and artistic assets in order to improve enhancement, enjoyment and conservation. 

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures with Power Point presentations and intensive use of Aulaweb

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Programme for students taking the course for 6 cfu

The course is articulated according to lines A-B-C (plus line D for students who attend the course) as follows:

Line A - Introduction:

1- reading and understanding of the meaning of graphs, diagrams and tables

2- analysis of the meaning of some physics formulas

3- the effect of some chemical reactions on the degradation of cultural assets

Line B- Materials:

1 Chemical and Chemico-Physical description of some materials of interest to Cultural assets. In particular, the following will be considered: metal, ceramic, stone, mortar, painting materials (frescoes, paintings on wood, canvas…)

2- Causes of degradation and main products of alteration of material considered.

3- Methods of study and objectives.(here a diagnostic conservation project is presented)

Line C- Methods of Chemico-Physical inquiry and their characteristics (non-destructive, non-invasive, para destructive and micro destructive…)

a. macro and microscopic examination.

b. optical and electronic microscopy

c. photographic examination

d. special photographic techniques (UV, IR..)

e spectrophotometry for reflection in visible light

f. radiographic examination

g. methods of diffractometry of x rays

h. fluorescence of x rays

i thermal and thermogravimetric analysis

Line D-(for students who attend the course) Elaboration by students (possibly divided into groups) of a diagnostic-conservation project as an intrinsic part of the course. The project will be preceded by two Laboratory practical exercises from among the following:

Practical work: macro and microscopic examination; bibliographical research on materials (e.g. wood, slate, bronze, patina, ceramic material, frescoes etc.); spectrophotometric inquiry for reflection in visible light; diffractometry X ray analysis;  Inquiry with thermal and thermogravimetric analysis; Studies on corrosion or inquiry with fluorescence of X rays.

NB! Laboratory practical work will take place at the DCCI (Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry) - Via Dodecaneso 31-16146 GENOVA

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIORGIO COSTA (President)

MARIA CARNASCIALI

ENRICO FRANCESCHI

MARINA RUI

GIULIA TORRIELLI

LESSONS

Class schedule

CHEMICAL-PHYSICAL METHODOLOGIES FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE

EXAMS

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam centres on the topics of the programme. Exam questions are codified according to a document published on Aulaweb in the section GETTING READY FOR THE EXAM and they are aimed at assessing the attainment of teaching objectives (see below). The duration of the exam is at least 30 minutes.

NB! Exams will take place at the DCCI (Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry) - Via Dodecaneso 31-16146 GENOVA. The lecture room will be indicated by a special sign at the entrance of the DCCI.

Exam schedule