PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL METHODS FOR HERITAGE INVESTIGATION WITH LABORATORY - 2

Academic year
2025/2026 Syllabus of previous years
Official course title
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL METHODS FOR HERITAGE INVESTIGATION WITH LABORATORY - 2
Course code
CM0674 (AF:579332 AR:325218)
Teaching language
English
Modality
On campus classes
ECTS credits
6 out of 12 of PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL METHODS FOR HERITAGE INVESTIGATION WITH LABORATORY
Degree level
Master's Degree Programme (DM270)
Academic Discipline
FIS/07
Period
2nd Semester
Course year
1
Where
VENEZIA
Module 2 of the course is offered during the second semester of the first year, and is a core (i.e. required) for all second year students. The coarse is designed to discuss the most popular experimental techniques that can be (and indeed are) exploited in the realm of Cultural Heritage. Particular emphasis will be given to techniques that rely upon the interactions between light and matter, because of their minimally invasive nature. Within this framework, the course will emphasize basic physical principles of modern physics, as well as experimental case studies in which physical methods proved to be crucial in the field of Conservation Science.
Upon exit from this course, students will be able to:
1) Be familiar with the physical principles of most popular experimental techniques in the realm of the Conservation of Cultural Heritage
2) Be aware of the pros and cons of each physical method
3) Identify the correct method to be used within a given context
The course is designed to be as self-contained as possible, so no previous specific knowledge will be assumed. Of course, students are expected to be familiar with elementary classical physics at an introductory level.
1) Wave-like properties of electromagnetic radiation
2) Particle-like properties of electromagnetic radiation
3) Particle-wave duality of matter
4) Models of atom
5) Atomic theory of molecules and solids
6) Interaction of light with atoms, molecules and bulk matter
7) Experimental techniques in Conservation Science
(nanomaterials, scattering and spectroscopic techniques, including Synchrotrone-radiation based techniques)
8) Case studies: critical assessment of the selected scientific publications employing advanced physical methods in the Conservation Science

M. Alonso and E.J. Finn: Fundamental University Physics (Vol III)
A. Beiser: Concept of Modern Physics
K. Nassau: The physics and chemistry of colors
G. Artioli: Scientific methods and Cultural Heritage, Oxford University Press
The exam will have two parts: written and oral. The oral part of the exam consists in questions on the physical principles presented during the lectures, while the written part consists of the project students will prepare in advance on a topic previously agreed with the instructor, and then present it to the instructor and their colleagues. Each part will contribute with 50% to the final grade.
written and oral
The discussion of the written project with accompanying slides presented by the student presents 50% of the grade for the Module 2 of the exam; while the discussion of theoretical topics on the underlying physical principles to the remaining 50% of the grade for this Module 2 of the exam “Physical and Chemical Methods for Heritage Investigation”. The final vote for the whole exam (Module 1 + Module 2) will be the average of the grades obtained for the two modules separately.

A combination of traditional methods for the lectures, with the teaching material present on Moodle. The course could also include few specialized lectures from external experts on specific topics of the Conservation Science.
Definitive programme.
Last update of the programme: 07/05/2025