OVERVIEW

Mycology embraces the study of fungi and lichens (or lichenising fungi), organisms which play an important role also in different cases of biodeterioration concerning cultural heritage. Knowing the main features of fungi, their nutritional needs (especially as regards the development capabilities) allows us to prevent, mitigate and solve some biodegradation cases in the field of cultural heritage.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching aims to introduce students to the study of biodeteriogenic fungi living on different types of substrates of artistic and / or historical interest. In addition, the basic tools will be provided for effectively monitoring and controlling such agents with the goal of preserving the cultural heritage.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The proactive presence of lecturers during the frontal lectures and laboratory activities along with the individual study will allow lecturers:

• to know the morphologic, metabolic, reproductive, trophic, and ecologic characteristics of fungi;
• to distinguish the principal taxa involved in biodegradation cases;
• to individuate the presence of fungi involved in biodegradation processes and to monitor their development;
• to isolate, analyze vital strains and identify fungal agents involved in biodegradation processes;
• to evaluate the main environmental conditions suitable to prevent and/or mitigate the development of fungi involved in biodegradation processes with the aim of a correct conservation-restoration of cultural heritage;
• to select specific protocols for restoration and disinfestation.

The training activities includes optional participation in the "multidisciplinary teaching program" promoted annually by the master’s degree program. Participation in the planned laboratory and field activities will enable students to acquire the"social skill - advanced level" with particular reference to: 
- management skills in social interactions;
- collaborative attitude;
- expressing and understanding different points of view;
- constructive communication in different environments, including communication to the public during cultural events.

PREREQUISITES

To address the contents of the course, general notions of chemistry, general and applied biology are needed.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is organized in 32 hours of frontal lectures and 32 hours of theoretical-applied laboratory. The students are strongly recommended to attend the lectures and laboratory activities.

Each laboratory activity will be proceeded by a short theoretical summary devoted to illustrate the contents, goals and procedures of the work to be performed. It is also expected to deal with a real case of biodegradation of a work and to carry out the consequent sampling, diagnostics, monitoring and identification of protocols for restoration and conservation. The activities carried out will have to be documented by the students through a technical report devoted to evaluate the acquired skills.

Teaching methods used in the multidisciplinary teaching project promoted by the master’s degree program include: team-based learning; problem-based learning; group-based teaching; project-based teaching. The production of technical reports and presentation/dissemination of achievements at public events is also planned.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course programme includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics.

Main characters of fungal organisms (including lichenized fungi): structure and ultrastructure, development, differentiation. Sexual and asexual reproduction. Nutrition and trophic characters. General and specific aspects of metabolism. Factors affecting the fungal development.

Criteria for identifying main taxa and with a particular reference to the groups or species involved in biodegradation processes of cultural heritage.

Role of fungi in biodeterioration of different substrate typologies of cultural heritage, in particulary paper biodegradation and foxing. Lichenized fungi involved in deteriorating rocks and stone slate products. Hints of geomycology.

Aerobiology and biomonitoring of fungi.

Laboratory: isolation, cultivation, identification of main fungal agents of biodegradation processes.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The multimedia teaching material used by the teacher during the lectures will be
available on AulaWeb at the end of the cycle of lectures / laboratory exercises.

The texts listed below are supporting texts and are available and available at the library of Scuola di Scienze M.F.N:

• Deacon W.B., 2005. Fungal Biology. Blackwell Publishing.
• Caneva G., Nugari M.P., Salvadori O. (Eds.), 2005 - La biologia vegetale per i beni culturali, Vol. I. Biodeterioramento e conservazione. Nardini Editore, Bologna.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MIRCA ZOTTI (President)

GRAZIA CECCHI

SIMONE DI PIAZZA (President Substitute)

MAURO MARIOTTI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons of the second semester.

See detailed timetable at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

MICOLOGY IN CULTURAL HERITAGE

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of an oral part during which the report written at the conclusion of a real case of biodegradation of a work tackled during the workshops will also be assessed and discussed. The written report will enable the skills acquired during the laboratory work to be assessed.

Examinations may be held using the Teams platform if required by the authorities. Please refer to the AulaWeb instance of the teaching for any updates due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral examination will focus on the topics covered during the lectures and theoretical-practical laboratory. The aim is to evaluate the degree of learning, autonomy, synthesis and exhibition skills achieved by the student. The ability to analyze the main forms of bioterioration, identifying the responsible fungal agents, and the knowledge of appropriate prevention and control measures will also be evaluated.

The exam could take place on the Teams platform, if required by the authorities. Due to COVID-19 emergency, users are invited to refer to AulaWeb site to get updated info regarding the exams.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

The regular attendance of the lessons and the related laboratory exercises is strongly recommended.