D1. Knowledge and understanding: understanding the chemical composition of materials used in cultural heritage, the chemical and physical degradation processes, and the conservation and restoration techniques. The student should know the main analytical techniques available for the qualitative and quantitative determination of the components that make up artistic artifacts. He should understand the available techniques for sampling, preservation, and qualitative-quantitative analysis of chemical components. D2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course the student must be able to apply the knowledge acquired in point D1. The student should be able to correctly use the terminology related to analytical chemistry and be able to choose the most appropriate sampling, sample treatment, and analysis techniques for analyzing a work under restoration or the environment where it is preserved. D3. Autonomy of judgment: By the end of the course, the student will be able to independently judge and choose the instrumental analytical techniques and make the correct decisions on how to address issues related to the analysis of a work or the verification of its proper preservation. D4. Communication skills: At the end of the course the student must be able to clearly present the concepts acquired in point D1, be able to clearly describe the analytical techniques studied with appropriate terms and relevant examples, and be able to engage in a critical discussion on course topics by providing valid suggestions. D5. Learning skills: At the end of the course the student must be able to independently deepen the topics covered. Their scientific growth should be critical and autonomous, using the material provided by the instructor and the material they will independently find to further their study.

It is necessary to have acquired the knowledge and skills foreseen in Analytical Chemistry I and II with laboratory courses during the Chemistry Bachelor Programme.

Main materials used in the artistic and archaeological fields. Chemical processes of degradation, conservation, and restoration and their interaction with the environment and environmental pollutants. Main classical and instrumental analytical methods used in the analysis, characterization, and diagnostics of materials, artifacts, and objects in the field of cultural heritage.

M. Matteini, A. Moles. La chimica nel restauro. I materiali dell'arte pittorica. Nardini Editore, 2001 (ISBN: 88-404-4007-8).
R. Cozzi, P. Protti, T. Ruaro, “Analisi Chimica Strumentale”, 2° edizione, Zanichelli, 1997 (3 volumi).
K. A. Rubinson and J. F. Rubinson, “Chimica Analitica Strumentale”, Zanichelli, 2002.
L. Paolillo, I. Giudicianni, La Diagnostica nei Beni Culturali, Moderni Metodi di Indagine, Longhia.
For teaching slides see moodle and MS-Teams course sites.

Types and compositions of the main materials used in the artistic and archaeological sectors. Stone, glass, ceramic and metallic materials Colorant and pictorial materials: origin, composition, and use. Organic materials: origin, composition, and use. Chemical processes of degradation, conservation, and restoration. Interaction with the environment and environmental pollutants. Chemical mechanisms of degradation: oxidation, hydrolysis, photodegradation. Influence of environmental factors: humidity, temperature, light, pollution. The main classical and instrumental analytical methods used in the analysis, characterization, and diagnostics of materials, artifacts, and all objects in the field of cultural heritage. Molecular analytical techniques Chromatographic analytical techniques IR and Raman spectroscopy. Electron and optical microscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD). Non-invasive methods of analysis. Imaging techniques and their applications in the monitoring of cultural heritage. Provenance and authentication studies.

Lectures with in-depth study of real case examples. Group exercises in the classroom.

Students who have registered a disability certification or DSA certification are requested to inform the instructor at the beginning of the course to arrange a personalized learning path suited to their needs, beyond the compensatory and dispensatory measures provided for the exam.

The learning assessment takes place through 1) a final written test, 2) the evaluation of in-depth activities on teaching topics carried out in the classroom and 3) the presentation of a final report with in-depth study and critical analysis of a scientific article related to the acquired knowledge. An oral examination is finally carried out. The written exam covers the syllabus and applications to real cases by means of 3 questions/problems/case studies. The oral exam will be mainly aimed at ascertaining a knowledge of the theory and will include the discussion of the written test. The final grade will be based on four assessments: classroom activities (10%), final presentation/report (20%), final written exam (60%), and oral discussion of the written exam (10%). All the tests aim to ascertain the student's knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject, with applications to real cases.

This course explores topics closely related to one or more goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs).