31968 - Environmental and Cultural Heritage Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will know the materials composing historical, archaeological, architectural, musical artefacts and the environmental factors acting on the material decay.

Course contents

1- The Materials of cultural heritage: characteristics and properties

Introduction to the chemistry of stones, ceramics, paper, glass, metals, paintings. Examples and case studies.

2- The environment

Introduction to environmental micro and macro factors inducing materials decay.

3- The system: Environment - Artefact

Interaction environment- material in Cultural Heritage: mechanisms of decay. Examples and case studies.

4- Diagnostic investigation for the characterization of materials end assessment of the state of conversation of artefacts.

Introduction to non-destructive and micro-destructive techniques for the diagnostic of decay of Cultural Heritage.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides of lessons.

Bibliography, not mandatory:

L. Campanella, A. Casoli, M.P. Colombini, R. Marini Bettolo, M. Matteini, L. M. Migneco, A. Montenero, L. Nodari, C. Piccioli, M. Plossi Zappalà, G. Portalone, U. Russo, M. P. Sammartino. Chimica per l'arte, Zanichelli, 2007.

M.Matteini, A.Moles. La chimica del restauro.I materiali dell'arte pittorica, Nardini editore, Firenze 1993, 3° edizione

C. Fiori, S. Lorusso, R. Pentrella. Restauro, manutenzione, conservazione dei Beni Culturali: materiali, prodotti, tecniche. Alcune applicazioni nel settore dei beni culturali. Pitagora, Bologna 2003.

Teaching methods

Oral lessons, slides.

Kahoot learning games.

Assessment methods

The oral examination will take the form of an interview conducted by the examining board during which the candidate will be required to demonstrate their ability to achieve the teaching objectives set out in the course curriculum. In particular, the extent of content acquisition is considered, as well as the critical skills developed by the student, their command of specific language, and their ability to grasp the issues addressed in an integrated manner.
The result of the examination will be classified according to the following criteria:

Insufficient grade: lack of basic training knowledge, inappropriate language and inability to produce links between the various topics addressed.

Sufficient to good: discrete possession of basic knowledge; appropriate language and ability to connect.

The grade is classified as good to excellent, indicating full possession of basic knowledge and language, autonomy of reasoning, and connection.

The teaching material presented in class is available on the UNIBO online site for enrolled students of the University of Bologna.

Students who do not attend the lectures are required to make arrangements with the lecturer for the examination programme.

Students who are affected by learning disability (DSA) and in need of special strategies to compensate it, are kindly requested to contact the Teacher, in order to be referred to the colleagues in charge and get proper advice and instructions.

Teaching tools

PC, Video projector, blackboard.

Office hours

See the website of Cristina Chiavari