Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Genoa offers a course in Biology Applied to Diagnostic and Conservation of Cultural Heritage, Module II. This course is part of the university's academic program for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Course Details

• Code: 61701
• Academic Year: 2025/2026
• CFU: 3 CFU for the first year, for the course "Methodologies for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage" (code 11906, LM-11 R) - Genoa
• Scientific Disciplinary Sector: BIO/05
• Language: Italian
• Location: Genoa
• Period: 2nd Semester
• Modules: This teaching is a module of "Biology Applied to Diagnostic and Conservation of Cultural Heritage"
• Didactic Material: Available on AulaWeb

Educational Objectives

The objective of Module 2 is to provide students with knowledge about materials of animal origin used in artistic and artisanal works. It also describes organisms, both marine and terrestrial, that are harmful to works of art and the most suitable techniques for combating them.

Detailed Educational Objectives and Learning Outcomes

By attending and participating in the planned educational activities, students will acquire general knowledge of Zoology necessary for studies in the field of conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. Specifically, students will be able to:

• Know the basic biology of metazoa (e.g., structure, systematics, ecology) with particular reference to those of interest in the field of cultural heritage
• Know the characteristics of artistic and artisanal materials of animal origin
• Know the role of animals in artistic expression of the past and in their current manifestations
• Know the diagnostic techniques necessary for the characterization and recognition of metazoa with particular reference to those of interest in the field of cultural heritage
• Understand the role of metazoa as biodeteriogens of artistic artifacts (paintings, stone and wooden artifacts, etc.)
• Know the techniques for containing metazoa harmful to works of art

Teaching Methods

The course consists of frontal lessons. Attendance at lessons is strongly recommended. Frontal lessons in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations. Any additional practical activities will be agreed upon with the students based on the epidemiological situation and needs.

Program/Content

• Animals in human society culture with particular attention to the current context
• Materials of animal origin
• Substances produced by insects and used in restoration
• Brief overview of animals harmful to cultural heritage (mammals, birds, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, annelids, sponges) and the main materials subject to aggression
• Detailed analysis of insects: morphology, anatomy, dietary regimes, development cycles. Insects that cause damage to artistic and cultural heritage: insects that attack/consume fresh wood, wood in operation, and other materials (paper, wool, silk, leather, feathers) and insects that use wood or other materials for nest construction
• Techniques for identifying and diagnosing damage and methods for fighting insects (mechanical, physical, chemical means, and biological control)

Texts/Bibliography

All slides used during lessons and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each lesson cycle. The following books are suggested as supporting texts, but students can also use other university-level texts. The recommended texts are available and can be consulted at the library of the School of Science M.F.N.

• Chiappini E., Liotta G., Reguzzi M.C., Battisti A., Insects and Restoration: Wood, Paper, Textiles, Leather, and Other Materials. Calderini edagricole, Bologna
• Liotta G., Insects and Wood Damage: Restoration Problems. Nardini editore, Florence
• Caneva G., Nugari M.P., Salvadori O., Biology in Restoration. Nardini editore, Florence

Teachers and Commissions

• Teacher: Stefano Vanin
• Office Hours: Contact the teacher via email to schedule an appointment
• Commission President: Stefano Vanin
• Commission Members: Elisa Taviani, Mirca Zotti, Simone Di Piazza (Supplementary President)

Lessons

• Start of Lessons: Consult the detailed schedule at the following link
• Lesson Schedule: The schedule for this course can be found at the EasyAcademy portal

Exams

• Exam Method: The exam consists of writing a technical report on a specific scenario and a subsequent oral test with questions posed by the teacher on topics covered during the course. There will be 3 exam sessions in the winter session (January-February) and 3 exam sessions in the summer session (June, July, September)
• Assessment Method: The details on the methods of preparation for the exam and the degree of in-depth study required for each topic will be provided during the lessons. The technical report aims to verify the student's ability to apply the knowledge acquired in a concrete scenario and to verify their ability to integrate information related to materials, environments, biodegraders, and safety. The oral exam will focus on the topics covered in the lesson, starting from the written report, and will aim to assess whether the student has reached an adequate level of general knowledge and the ability to use and the terminology typical of the sector in a clear and precise manner.

Other Information

• Regular and constant attendance at lessons is strongly recommended.
• Please refer to the specific AulaWeb instance of the course for any updates due to variations in the health and epidemiological situation.