Assessment and Management of Risk Caused By Fungi and Insects At Cultural Heritage, Laboratory
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course provides fundamental knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the context of cultural heritage preservation. It specifically addresses:
· the assessment of microbiological and entomological risks;
· preventive measures to hinder the entry and survival of harmful biological agents;
· techniques for monitoring and controlling fungi and pest insects in cultural heritage environments.
· the assessment of microbiological and entomological risks;
· preventive measures to hinder the entry and survival of harmful biological agents;
· techniques for monitoring and controlling fungi and pest insects in cultural heritage environments.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
o Understand the theoretical and practical principles of IPM and their relevance to the protection of cultural heritage.
o Design and implement an IPM plan tailored to a cultural institution, selecting appropriate prevention and control strategies.
o Critically assess biological risks and choose proportionate and sustainable intervention strategies in compliance with relevant regulations and conservation best practices.
o Communicate IPM procedures clearly and effectively to internal staff and stakeholders, promoting coordination among different actors involved.
o Independently update their knowledge on IPM tools, techniques, and regulations through the analysis of case studies and scientific literature.
o Understand the theoretical and practical principles of IPM and their relevance to the protection of cultural heritage.
o Design and implement an IPM plan tailored to a cultural institution, selecting appropriate prevention and control strategies.
o Critically assess biological risks and choose proportionate and sustainable intervention strategies in compliance with relevant regulations and conservation best practices.
o Communicate IPM procedures clearly and effectively to internal staff and stakeholders, promoting coordination among different actors involved.
o Independently update their knowledge on IPM tools, techniques, and regulations through the analysis of case studies and scientific literature.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course describes the procedures and methods to prevent, monitor and control infestations, biotic contamination and degradation of cultural goods. The course is based on a case study chosen each year by the teachers. Introductory lectures are followed by practical activities carried out in the laboratory.
Introduction to the "Integrated Pest Management" principles. Introduction to entomology, monitoring and control methods. Systematic of fungi degrading wood and paper or other cultural heritage materials. Optical microscopy techniques. Identification of a case study related to harmful biological agents. Inspection and sampling. Experimental plan definition to solve the problem. Laboratory activities aimed at the morphological and molecular identification of harmful biological agents and / or microbiological-entomological risk, prevention and control.
Introduction to the "Integrated Pest Management" principles. Introduction to entomology, monitoring and control methods. Systematic of fungi degrading wood and paper or other cultural heritage materials. Optical microscopy techniques. Identification of a case study related to harmful biological agents. Inspection and sampling. Experimental plan definition to solve the problem. Laboratory activities aimed at the morphological and molecular identification of harmful biological agents and / or microbiological-entomological risk, prevention and control.
Teaching methods
The course is based on introductory lectures and laboratory activities.
Teaching Resources
In Ariel is available the materials used by the professors during the lessons, materials to deepen the knowledge and the protocols used for the biological analyses caried out during the laboratory training.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The students, individually or in groups, will collect the data of aspects studied in laboratory in relation to the selected case study or a case study of the literature. After their elaboration, the students will prepare an oral presentation with slides or a poster with which they will present the case study, the results obtained and the proposals for intervention. Professors will evaluate the completeness of the discussion, the property of language and the basic knowledge necessary to treat the case study analyzed.
The mark will be assigned in thirtieths.
Students* with DSA and disabilities are requested* to contact the Teacher via email at least 15 days before the scheduled exam date to agree on any measures individualized. In the email addressed to the teacher it is necessary to CC the respective University Services: [email protected] (for students with DSA) and [email protected] (for students with disabilities).
The mark will be assigned in thirtieths.
Students* with DSA and disabilities are requested* to contact the Teacher via email at least 15 days before the scheduled exam date to agree on any measures individualized. In the email addressed to the teacher it is necessary to CC the respective University Services: [email protected] (for students with DSA) and [email protected] (for students with disabilities).
AGR/11 - GENERAL AND APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY - University credits: 3
AGR/12 - PLANT PATHOLOGY - University credits: 3
AGR/12 - PLANT PATHOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Kunova Andrea, Savoldelli Sara
Professor(s)
Reception:
Appointment
Room R056, building A21030, Via Celoria 2