AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aim of module 2 is to provide students with knowledge about materials of animal origin used in artistic and artisan works. The marine and terrestrial organisms involved in the deterioration of artistic works together with the tecniques to face them, will be also described.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and participation to the course will allow the student to acquire basic Zoological knowledge necessary to face studies in the field of conservation and restoration of cultural heritage.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

• To learn the basic biology of metazoans (e.g. structure, systematics, ecology) with particular reference to those of interest in the field of cultural heritage

• To learn the characteristics of artistic and craft materials derived from animals

• To learn the role of animals in artistic expression

• To learn the diagnostic techniques necessary for the characterization and recognition of metazoa with particular reference to those of interest in the field of cultural heritage

• To learn the role of metazoans as biodeteriogens of artistic artifacts (pictorial works, stone and wood artifacts, etc.)

• To learn the techniques of containment of metazoans harmful to works of art

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists exclusively of lectures. Attendance at lessons is strongly recommended.

Lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations. At the end of each part of the program there will be tests in the classroom for self-assessment of learning.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Animals in the culture and economy of human societies.

·    Materials of animal origin.

• Brief review of animals damaging cultural heritage (mammals, birds, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, annelids, sponges) and of the main materials subject to aggression.

• Detailed analysis of insects: morphology, anatomy, diet and developmental cycles. Insects that cause damage to the artistic and cultural heritage: aggressor insects / consumers of fresh wood, wood in work and other materials (paper, wool, silk, leather, feathers) and insects that use wood or other materials for the construction of nest.

• Techniques of identification and diagnosis of damage and methods of fight against insects (mechanical, physical, chemical and biological control).

• Substances produced by insects used in the restoration of works of art.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All slides used during lessons and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each lesson cycle. The book below is suggested as a supporting text, but students can still use other university level texts. The recommended texts are available and can be consulted at the M.F.N. School of Science Library.

• Chiappini E., Liotta G., Reguzzi M.C., Battisti A., Insetti e restauro: legno, carta, tessuti, pellame e altri materiali. Calderini edagricole, Bologna.
  - Litta G., Gli insetti e i danni del legno: problemi di restauro. Nardini editore, Firenze.
  - Caneva G., Nugari M.P., Salvadori O., La biologia nel restauro. Nardini editore, Firenze

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

STEFANO VANIN (President)

LUIGI VEZZULLI (President)

CARLO ALESSANDRO MONTANARI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

26th of March 2019

For lessons start and timetable go to the following link: http://www.distav.unige.it/ccsbenicultura/orario-lezioni

Class schedule

BIOLOGY APPLIED TO DIAGNOSTIC AND PRESERVATION OF CULT. HERIT. MOD. 2

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral and consists of the presentation of a topic chosen by the student and the answer to questions asked by the teacher on topics covered during the course. Three calls will be available in the winter session (January-February) and 3 calls in the summer session (June, July, September).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Detailed information on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of detail required for each covered topic will be provided during the lessons. The oral examination will focus on the topics covered in class and will have the purpose to evaluate not only if the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge, but also if he has acquired the ability to recall the theoretical notions by applying them to simple concrete contexts. The ability to expose the arguments clearly and with correct terminology will also be evaluated.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance at lessons is strongly recommended.