Program Overview
MICOLOGY IN CULTURAL HERITAGE
Overview
Mycology embraces the study of fungi and lichens, organisms which play an important role in different cases of biodeterioration concerning cultural heritage. Knowing the main features of fungi, their nutritional needs, 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. The basic tools will be provided for effectively monitoring and controlling such agents with the goal of preserving cultural heritage.
Aims and Learning Outcomes
The proactive presence of lecturers during frontal lectures and laboratory activities, along with individual study, will allow students to:
- Know the morphologic, metabolic, reproductive, trophic, and ecologic characteristics of fungi
- Distinguish the principal taxa involved in biodegradation cases
- Identify the presence of fungi involved in biodegradation processes and monitor their development
- Isolate, analyze vital strains, and identify fungal agents involved in biodegradation processes
- Evaluate the main environmental conditions suitable to prevent and/or mitigate the development of fungi involved in biodegradation processes
- Select specific protocols for restoration and disinfestation
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. Each laboratory activity will be preceded by a short theoretical summary devoted to illustrating the contents, goals, and procedures of the work to be performed.
Syllabus/Content
The course program includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:
- Main characters of fungal organisms
- Criteria for identifying main taxa
- Role of fungi in biodeterioration of different substrate typologies of cultural heritage
- Aerobiology and biomonitoring of fungi
- Laboratory: isolation, cultivation, identification of main fungal agents of biodegradation processes
Recommended Reading/Bibliography
- 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
- MIRCA ZOTTI (President)
- GRAZIA CECCHI
- SIMONE DI PIAZZA (President Substitute)
Lessons
- The lessons of the second semester
- The timetable for this course is available
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.
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.
Exam Schedule
- 23/01/2026, 14:00, GENOVA
- 09/02/2026, 14:00, GENOVA
- 26/02/2026, 14:00, GENOVA
- 18/06/2026, 14:00, GENOVA
- 15/07/2026, 14:00, GENOVA
- 29/07/2026, 14:00, GENOVA
- 16/09/2026, 14:00, GENOVA
Further Information
The regular attendance of the lessons and the related laboratory exercises is strongly recommended. Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities can find information on support services.