Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Educational objectives

A - Knowledge and understanding
OF 1) Knowing the bases of the spectroscopy
OF 2) Knowing the IR, UV-VIS, Raman spectroscopic techniques
OF 3) Knowing the Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS/WDS) techniques
OF 4) Knowing the nature and the chemical properties of the ancient Cu, Ag and Fe base alloys
OF 5) Knowing the main ancient methodologies of smelting process
OF 6) Knowing the metals chemical-physical degradation process
B - Application skills
OF 7) Being able to identify the structure of the ancient metal alloys
OF 8) Knowing the degradation process through the micro-chemical and microstructural nature of the ancient patina
C - Autonomy of judgment
OF 9) Being able to suggest the most suitable instrumental investigation techniques according to the type of material and its state of conservation
OF 10) Being able to evaluate the nature of the degradation processes of the ancient metallic artefacts
OF 11) To be able to identify the process and the technological level of the ancient metallurgist
D - Communication skills
OF 12) Knowing how to communicate to the technicians during an archaeological dig
E - Ability to learn
OF 13) Have the ability to evaluate spectroscopic data and microchemical data
OF 14) Having the ability to consult the scientific literature

Educational objectives

A - Knowledge and understanding
OF 1) Knowing the bases of the spectroscopy
OF 2) Knowing the IR, UV-VIS, Raman spectroscopic techniques
OF 3) Knowing the Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS/WDS) techniques
OF 4) Knowing the nature and the chemical properties of the ancient Cu, Ag and Fe base alloys
OF 5) Knowing the main ancient methodologies of smelting process
OF 6) Knowing the metals chemical-physical degradation process
B - Application skills
OF 7) Being able to identify the structure of the ancient metal alloys
OF 8) Knowing the degradation process through the micro-chemical and microstructural nature of the ancient patina
C - Autonomy of judgment
OF 9) Being able to suggest the most suitable instrumental investigation techniques according to the type of material and its state of conservation
OF 10) Being able to evaluate the nature of the degradation processes of the ancient metallic artefacts
OF 11) To be able to identify the process and the technological level of the ancient metallurgist
D - Communication skills
OF 12) Knowing how to communicate to the technicians during an archaeological dig
E - Ability to learn
OF 13) Have the ability to evaluate spectroscopic data and microchemical data
OF 14) Having the ability to consult the scientific literature

Educational objectives

A - Knowledge and understanding
OF 1) Knowing the bases of the spectroscopy
OF 2) Knowing the IR, UV-VIS, Raman spectroscopic techniques
OF 3) Knowing the Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS/WDS) techniques
OF 4) Knowing the nature and the chemical properties of the ancient Cu, Ag and Fe base alloys
OF 5) Knowing the main ancient methodologies of smelting process
OF 6) Knowing the metals chemical-physical degradation process
B - Application skills
OF 7) Being able to identify the structure of the ancient metal alloys
OF 8) Knowing the degradation process through the micro-chemical and microstructural nature of the ancient patina
C - Autonomy of judgment
OF 9) Being able to suggest the most suitable instrumental investigation techniques according to the type of material and its state of conservation
OF 10) Being able to evaluate the nature of the degradation processes of the ancient metallic artefacts
OF 11) To be able to identify the process and the technological level of the ancient metallurgist
D - Communication skills
OF 12) Knowing how to communicate to the technicians during an archaeological dig
E - Ability to learn
OF 13) Have the ability to evaluate spectroscopic data and microchemical data
OF 14) Having the ability to consult the scientific literature

Educational objectives

A - Knowledge and understanding
OF 1) Knowing the main constituent materials of artworks
OF 2) Knowing the basic physico-chemical properties of metal, ceramic, and polymer materials
OF 3) Knowing the fundamentals of thermal analysis and laser spectroscopy applied to materials’
investigation
OF 4) Understanding the fundamentals of electrochemistry
OF 5) Understanding phenomena of electrochemical corrosion
OF 6) Knowing the main electrochemical methods

B - Application skills
OF 7) Developing analisys protocols to study the materials’ properties
OF 8) Predicting corrosion sensibility of materials based on their chemical properties
OF 9) Implementing actions to prevent electrochemical corrosion
C - Autonomy of judgment
OF 10) Being able to evaluate the conservation state of materials
OF 11) Being able to select the most suitable investigation methods based on materials nature and
conservation state
OF 12) Being able to evaluate the coherence of materials and methods of analysis with the
requirements of modern restoration
D - Communication skills
OF 13) Knowing how to communicate the reason and effects of materials corrosion processes
OF 14) Knowing how to communicate the materials properties and main investigation methods
E - Ability to learn
OF 15) Having the ability to consult literature on materials and investigation methods
OF 16) Have the ability to evaluate technical data sheets and information on novel materials

Educational objectives

The objective of the course is to enable students to learn the basics of the interactions between the works of art and the environment that surrounds them, which includes electromagnetic radiation (light, infrared, UV) and thermohygrometric environment. Moreover, at the end of the course the student knows the techniques for the restoration of stoneworks and design of air conditioning systems.

Educational objectives

Knowledge acquired:
Basis of atomic physics, molecular solids. Knowledge of the working principles and the results obtained with spectroscopic techniques.

Educational objectives

A - Knowledge and understanding
OF 1) Knowing the main inorganic gemstones used in the field of Cultural Heritage
OF 2) Knowing the main organic gemstones used in the field of Cultural Heritage
OF 3) Knowing metallic artefacts used in the field of Cultural Heritage
OF 4) Knowing the corrosion processes that affect metallic materials
B - Application skills
OF 5) Being able to recognize metals and alloys
OF 6) Being able to performe macroscopic and microscopic analyses
OF 7) Being able to define a possible use of these materials highlighting the possible critical issues

C - Autonomy of judgment
OF 8) Being able to evaluate the nature of the alteration and corrosion processes of such materials
OF 9) Being able to suggest the most suitable instrumental investigation techniques according to the type of material

D - Communication skills
OF 9) Knowing how to communicate the nature and effects of alteration on gemstones and corrosion process on metallic artifacts
OF 9) Knowing how to communicate to subjects without scientific backgroud the alteration process of gemstones and metallic materials used in the field of cultural heritage

E - Ability to learn
OF 10) Having the ability to consult literature date on gemstones and metallic materials and methods

Educational objectives

Ability to manage and develop a natural history museum

Educational objectives

Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge of the applications of geochemistry to the study of raw materials of geological origin. Knowledge of the analytical methods used for the geochemical study of materials with particular reference to the production of ceramics, binding agents, mortars and metals. Knowledge of the applications of isotopic geochemistry to geochronology and to the study of the origin of artifacts of archaeological and historical-artistic interest.

Application skills
Students will own the knowledge necessary to adopt the analytical techniques of geochemistry aimed at the study of artifacts of historical, artistic and archaeological interest. Ability to design a research project or a technical-scientific report based on applications of geochemistry to the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage.

Communication skills
Learning of skills and rigorous and appropriate technical-scientific terminology, specific to the fields of application of geochemistry. Ability to set up studies and research based on geochemical methods applied to artefacts of historical-artistic and archaeological interest for the purpose of preserving and restoring materials by using the most appropriate techniques

Educational objectives

Laboratory of Museology: cataloguing and multimedia (module Cataloguing)
This course introduces students to museology, especially museum documentation, digitization, and exhibition. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Differentiate the functions, roles, duties and responsibilities of museums
- Employ the fundamental principles and practices of museum documentation and collection management
- a cataloguing strategy for a museum
- Synthesize the fundamental principles and practices of museum exhibition planning and design.

Module Multimedia
A - Knowledge and understanding
General knowledge in setting up, conservation and management of botanical collections.
Basic knowledge of digital communication strategies and cataloging criteria applied to botanical museums.

B - Application skills
Skill to use of information technology and multimedia in research and dissemination activities of botanical collections.

C - Autonomy of judgment
Skill to understand the methodological and organizational problems connected to the realization of a project of computerization of botanical collections.

Educational objectives

The educational objectives consist in expanding the knowledge base on digital technologies and innovative tools, for digital cataloging of photographs, documents and archaeological finds.

A - Knowledge and understanding
General knowledge in setting up, conservation and management of botanical collections.
Basic knowledge of digital communication strategies and cataloging criteria applied to botanical museums.

B - Application skills
Skill to use of information technology and multimedia in research and dissemination activities of botanical collections.

C - Autonomy of judgment
Skill to understand the methodological and organizational problems connected to the realization of a project of computerization of botanical collections.

Educational objectives

This course introduces students to museology, especially museum documentation, digitization, and exhibition.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Differentiate the functions, roles, duties and responsibilities of museums
- Employ the fundamental principles and practices of museum documentation and collection management
- a cataloguing strategy for a museum
- Synthesize the fundamental principles and practices of museum exhibition planning and design.

Educational objectives

GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The goal of this course is to develop an understanding of the key concepts and physical mechanisms responsible for the microclimatic conditions in indoor environment, and to analyze the thermo-hygrometric data in order to highlight critical climate-induced conditions.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
A - Knowledge and understanding
OF 1) To understand the physical processes that regulate the microclimate
OF 2) To become familiar with moisture variables
OF 3) To become familiar with the concepts of exploratory statistics for analyzing time series of microclimatic data
OF 4) To be familiar with current European Standards concerning microclimate for cultural heritage
B - Application skills
OF 5) To apply exploratory statistical analysis for the characterization of the microclimate
OF 6) To plan and carry out microclimate measurement campaigns
C - Autonomy of judgment
OF 7) To be able to critically analyze microclimate data
OF 8) To be able to integrate the knowledge acquired in order to apply them in the context of climate-induced risks assessment
D - Communication skills
OF 9) To draw up a scientific technical-scientific report on data collected during the field microclimate campaign
E - Ability to learn
OF 10) To read scientific papers in order to autonomously further improve some of the topics introduced during the course.
OF 11) To have the ability to use the software to generate spatial maps of thermohygrometric data collected during the field microclimate campaign

Educational objectives

GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The goal of this course is to develop an understanding of the key concepts and physical mechanisms responsible for the microclimatic conditions in indoor environment, and to analyze the thermo-hygrometric data in order to highlight critical climate-induced conditions.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
A - Knowledge and understanding
OF 1) To understand the physical processes that regulate the microclimate
OF 2) To become familiar with thermodynamic concepts for atmospheres with and without water vapor
OF 3) To understand physical processes involving the interaction between material and environment
B - Application skills
OF 4) To use thermodynamic diagrams for evaluation of the air stability and formation of vertical motions
OF 5) To use of the psychrometric diagram for the derivation of the thermohygrometric variables and evaluate the critical conditions of the environment
C - Autonomy of judgment
OF 6) To be able to critically analyze microclimate data
OF 7) To be able to integrate the knowledge acquired in order to apply them in the context of climate-induced risks assessment
D - Communication skills
OF 8) To draw up a scientific technical-scientific report on data collected during the field microclimate campaign
E - Ability to learn
OF 9) To read scientific papers in order to autonomously further improve some of the topics introduced during the course.

Educational objectives

GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The goal of this course is to develop an understanding of the key concepts and physical mechanisms responsible for the microclimatic conditions in indoor environment, and to analyze the thermo-hygrometric data in order to highlight critical climate-induced conditions.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
A - Knowledge and understanding
OF 1) To understand the physical processes that regulate the microclimate
OF 2) To become familiar with moisture variables
OF 3) To become familiar with the concepts of exploratory statistics for analyzing time series of microclimatic data
OF 4) To be familiar with current European Standards concerning microclimate for cultural heritage
B - Application skills
OF 5) To apply exploratory statistical analysis for the characterization of the microclimate
OF 6) To plan and carry out microclimate measurement campaigns
C - Autonomy of judgment
OF 7) To be able to critically analyze microclimate data
OF 8) To be able to integrate the knowledge acquired in order to apply them in the context of climate-induced risks assessment
D - Communication skills
OF 9) To draw up a scientific technical-scientific report on data collected during the field microclimate campaign
E - Ability to learn
OF 10) To read scientific papers in order to autonomously further improve some of the topics introduced during the course.
OF 11) To have the ability to use the software to generate spatial maps of thermohygrometric data collected during the field microclimate campaign

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide theoretical skills useful for the knowledge of the architectural and archaelogical restoration. During the course will be investigated theories , principles and settings, on the restoration in general, with specific attention to the monumental one. The history of restoration from its origins to today , with specific attention to the period from the eighteenth century onwards: figures , concepts , examples. Particular attention will be devoted to the debate and to the theory of the last sixty years.

Educational objectives

Understand the nature and aims of archaeological research and be able to elaborate original ideas for the interpretation of data, aimed at the reconstruction of the economic, social and political organisation of the investigated societies. Know the system for relative dating in archaeology and reconstruction of the context. Be able to program interdisciplinary activities aimed at the interpretation of artefacts. Ability in bibliographical research aimed at the historical interpretation of results of archaeometric analyses.

Educational objectives

The course aims to present the historical and archaeological context related to the formation and development of the main cities of southern Etruria between proto-history and Romanization.

Educational objectives

The aim of the course is to improve the knowledge about the innovative materials (nanomaterials and smart materials) for the conservation of monuments and archeological sites

Educational objectives

Remote sensing in archaeology, data base, geographic information system.

Educational objectives

A - Knowledge and understanding
Knowing the main forms of degradation of metals and their alloys
Knowing the main characteristics of the minerals used as pigments
Knowing the nature of the main forms of pigment degradation

B - Application skills
Being able to deduce the main processes of metal degradation from the nature of the products
Being able to recognize the main opaque minerals in reflected light

C - Autonomy of judgment
Being able to assess the nature of metal degradation products
Being able to propose the most suitable analytical methods according to the type of degradation

D - Communication skills
Knowing how to communicate to restoration personnel the nature of degradation processes
Knowing how to communicate the characteristics of the applied procedures to the restoration personnel

E - Ability to learn
Being able to consult the scientific literature on metal and mineral pigments degradation processes
Being able to assess the degree of alteration of metals in reflected light

Educational objectives

Acquire advanced knowledge of paleoenvironmental methodologies and of climatic and anthropic changes occurred in the past.
Dendrochronology for paleoclimatic study and applications in the field of cultural heritage. Discern contexts and materials suitable for analysis.
Isotopic analysis for paleo-environmental studies and applications to the field of cultural heritage. Selection of the suitable methods according with the context.
Evaluate and overcome sampling issues.
Apply analytical practices suitable for plant materials.

Educational objectives

The course addresses to students who want to extend and deepen the skills acquired
in previous degree courses approaching the research and profession in the field of
cultural heritage conservation..
This course aims to train students in the field of materials science, integrating their
knowledge in Cultural Heritage field with those of Physical Chemistry. At the end of
the course students are able to understand the issues related to the study and
conservation of archaeological materials as well as of innovative materials used in
contemporary art.

Educational objectives

1) Defining organic binders and dyes according to molecular features and uses
2) Explaining the colour phenomenon with reference to chemical-physical aspects
3) Classifying the film formation of a pictorial film through reaction mechanisms and chemical-physical processes
4) Recognising dye molecules according to their chemical characteristics
5) Evaluating diagnostic techniques useful for the identification of chemical species with reference to their molecular characteristics
6) Identifying organic species through analytical techniques

Educational objectives

The aim of the course is increasing the knowledge acquired after the Bechelor Degree concerning the nature, alteration processes and degradation of materials used in the field of cultural heritage (stone, ceramics, glass, plasters), as well as studying the investigation methods usually applied, focusing on recent and innovative applications. This information will allow students to independently develop a research project (which will be set during the laboratory hours and evaluated at the end of the course) to present it and promote it.

A - Knowledge and understanding
OF 1) Knowing the composition of the main geomaterials applied in the cultural heritage (ceramic, glass, mortar and plaster, stone).
OF 2) Knowing the production processes and the degradation phenomena of the main geomaterials applied in the cultural heritage (ceramic, glass, mortar and plaster, stone).
OF 3) Knowing the analytical methods usually used in the characterization of the main geomaterials applied in the cultural heritage (ceramic, glass, mortar and plaster, stone).
OF 4) Knowing some advanced analytical methods used recently in the characterization of the main geomaterials applied in the cultural heritage (ceramic, glass, mortar and plaster, stone).
OF 5) Understanding the problems connected to the mortar dating and the recent projects focused on this topic
OF 6) Understanding the problems connected to the white marble provenance and the recent projects focused on this topic

B - Application skills
OF 7) Being able to deduce the innovative aspects proposed in the scientific articles in the analysis of the main geomaterials applied in the cultural heritage (ceramic, glass, mortar and plaster, stone).
OF 8) Being able to deduce the problems still present and not solved in the analysis of the main geomaterials applied in the cultural heritage (ceramic, glass, mortar and plaster, stone).

C – Autonomy of judgment
OF 9) Being able to deduce a possible method useful to solve the problems still present in the analysis of the main geomaterials applied in the cultural heritage (ceramic, glass, mortar and plaster, stone)
OF 10) Being able to create a scientific project focused on the analysis of one of the main geomaterials applied in the cultural heritage (ceramic, glass, mortar and plaster, stone).

D - Communication skills
OF 11) Knowing how to write a scientific project
OF 12) Knowing how to communicate the project to people not included in the academic world

E - Ability to learn
OF 13) Having the ability to consult scientific literature on geomaterials applied in the cultural heritage (ceramic, glass, mortar and plaster, stone)
OF 14) Having the ability to consult database on national and international scientific projects

Educational objectives

Use of nuclear magnetic resonance techniques for the diagnostics of cultural heritage with particular reference to NMR profiler. To be able to process experimental NMR data. Correct behaviour while performing an experiment, appropriate interpretation of its results and acknowledgement of its validity and limitations.

Educational objectives

Use of nuclear magnetic resonance techniques for the diagnostics of cultural heritage with particular reference to NMR profiler. To be able to process experimental NMR data. Correct behaviour while performing an experiment, appropriate interpretation of its results and acknowledgement of its validity and limitations.

Educational objectives

Use of nuclear magnetic resonance techniques for the diagnostics of cultural heritage with particular reference to NMR profiler. To be able to process experimental NMR data. Correct behaviour while performing an experiment, appropriate interpretation of its results and acknowledgement of its validity and limitations.

Educational objectives

At the end of the course, students will be able to: i) identify theoretical and methodological tools for the study of food and culture in archaeology; ii) critically analyze studies on food consumption in the past; iii) improve their understanding of biomolecular techniques in Archaeology; iv) understand the integration between theoretical perspectives and lab-based analysis.

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide students with the conceptual and methodologicaltools for the application of biological analyses to Cultural Heritage.By the end of this course students will have the knowledge to identify biological materials of which an artwork is made as well as biological agents deterioranting artworks and strategies to control them for Cultural Heritage conservation.

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide students with the conceptual and methodologicaltools for the application of biological analyses to Cultural Heritage.By the end of this course students will have the knowledge to identify biological materials of which an artwork is made as well as biological agents deterioranting artworks and strategies to control them for Cultural Heritage conservation.

Educational objectives

Second module:
Students will be able to reconstruct past cultural landscapesand the impact of human populations on the environment, through advanced techniques.

Educational objectives

The course aims at giving the opportunity to students to deepen their knowledge and expertise with geophysical techniques for cultural heritage and archaeology documentation and management.
The course consists of lectures, practical exercises and on-field practical work.
Applied geophysics as an imaging and diagnostic tool, definition of geophysical anomaly and background, importance of the geological-geomorphological and architectural context, description of the areas and physical scales of application, resolution and density of information obtainable from prospecting. It will provide the definition of the physical characteristics of natural and raw materials, artefact material (conductivity, susceptibility, density) and the geological properties of the rock and stone materials (weaving, structure, porosity, fracturing). The course will provide the basics about data collection, processing and interpretation for passive (gravity and magnetic) and active (GPR, FDEM, ERT 2D and 3D, seismic) geophysical techniques.

A - Knowledge and understanding
Knowing the main geophysical techniques
B - Application skills
Being able to design a geophysical survey
C - Autonomy of judgment
Being able to suggest the most suitable instrumental investigation techniques according to the type of material and its state of conservation
D - Communication skills
Knowing how to communicate to the restoration workers without scientific training, the properties of the restoration materials and the characteristics of the geophysics applied methodologies
E - Ability to learn
Have the ability to evaluate geophysical anomalies and their interpretations

Educational objectives

A - Knowledge and understanding
OF 1) To define and describe the fundamental climate variables in the field of the preventive conservation of cultural heritage
OF 2) To acquire knowledge on climate-induced degradation risks
OF 3) To acquire knowledge on international regulations concerning climate-induced risks
B - Application skills
OF 4) To be able to apply methodological and instrumental procedures
OF 5) To be able to apply simplified functions
OF 6) To be able to apply international regulations on climate-induced risks
C - Autonomy of judgment
OF 7) To be able to interpret experimental and modelled data
OF 8) To be able to apply a scientific approach to conservation
OF 9) To be able to identify climate-induced degradation risks
OF 10) To transfer scientific outcomes to the application of international regulations
D - Communication skills
OF 10) To know how to communicate scientific results
OF 11) To communicate the outputs of the analysis/study in clear way to the stakeholders keeping the scientific credibility
E - Ability to learn
OF 12) Have the ability to consult scientific literature to improve some of the topics covered during the course

Educational objectives

Improvement of the skills in critical reading of scientific articles
Acquisition of the ability to conceive, present and develop a scientific research
The objective will be achieved through the presentation and discussion of a thesis proposal.

A - Knowledge and understanding
Ability to understand the essential contents of a scientific article

B - Application skills
Ability to critically read a scientific article
Ability to design scientific research

C - Autonomy of judgment
Being able to evaluate the relevance of a scientific article
Being able to conceive and implement a thesis proposal

D - Communication skills
Knowing how to present and discuss a thesis proposal

E - Ability to learn
Having the ability to consult scientific literature in order to continuously update

Educational objectives

A - Knowledge and understanding
Ability to understand the essential contents of a scientific article

B - Application skills
Ability to critically read a scientific article
Ability to design scientific research

C - Autonomy of judgment
Being able to evaluate the relevance of a scientific article
Being able to conceive and implement a thesis proposal

D - Communication skills
Knowing how to present and discuss a thesis proposal

E - Ability to learn
Having the ability to consult scientific literature in order to continuously update

Educational objectives

Improvement of the skills in critical reading of scientific articles
Acquisition of the ability to conceive, present and develop a scientific research
The objective will be achieved through the presentation and discussion of a thesis proposal.

Educational objectives

The course aims to ensure that students have a knowledge of methods and applications of archaeometry, with special attention to chemical and physical analyses of artifacts, concerning provenance, technology types of use and authenticity.

Educational objectives

The course aims to ensure that students have a knowledge of methods and applications of archaeometry, with special attention to chemical and physical analyses of artifacts, concerning provenance, technology types of use and authenticity.

Educational objectives

The course aims to ensure that students have a knowledge of methods and applications of archaeometry, with special attention to chemical and physical analyses of artifacts, concerning provenance, technology types of use and authenticity.

Educational objectives

The main objectives of the module Human bioarcheology are: to acquire knowledge of human osteology and bioarchaeology of ancient human populations in prehistory and history of human populations. To understand the relationship between adaptive biological phenomena and cultural dynamics.
The module Human palaeobiology offers an overview of the evolution of our species with a specific focus on diet, pathogen and disease and the relationships with other Homo species.

Educational objectives

Main objectives
To acquire knowledge of human osteology and bioarchaeology of ancient human populations in prehistory and history of human populations. To understand the relationship between adaptive biological phenomena and cultural dynamics.

Specific objectives
A) Knowledge and understanding
The concept of biological and cultural adaptation
Human evolution and adaptation
Skeletal anatomy
Methods of sex determination and estimation of age at death
Skeletal pathologies
Dental anthropology
Bioarchaeology of ancient human populations
Osteobiography

B) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
To be able to use the specific terminology
Identify the main factors involved in the relationship between biological and cultural factors
Understand the contribution of bioarchaeology to the understanding of the cultural dynamics of the pas

C) Autonomy of judgement
To be able to reconstruct in chronological terms the history of the health and life conditions of populations of the past
to be able to evaluate and revise literature data relating to bioarchaeological investigations

D) Communication skills
To be able to illustrate the results of bibliographic research carried out in the context of classroom discussions
To be able to present and discuss a case study on a bioarchaeological reconstruction
To be able to understand manuscripts in English and be able to indicate the salient features in the oral examination

E) Learning skills
To learn specific terminology
Connect acquired knowledge in a logical way
Identify the most relevant topics of the subjects covered
Know how to consult specialized databases (e.g. scopus; pubmed)

Educational objectives

The course offers an overview of the evolution of our species with a specific focus on diet, pathogen and disease and the relationships with other Homo species. During the frontal lessons students will acquire the necessary knowledge to comprehend the genetic and osteological evidence of the interaction between humans and environment. During the practical exercises, these knowledges will be applied to the analysis of molecular data and the recognition of bone lesions from trauma and disease.T

Educational objectives

A - Knowledge and understanding
1) General knoweledge of the meaning of archaeological context;
2) General knoweledge of the methods applied to the analysis of archaeological contexts and detailed knowledge about experimental archaeology

B - Application skills
1) General knoweledge of the production sequences of the archeological artefacts
2) Skill to organize and realize an experimental protocol
3) Basic knoweledge of the use of OLM and SEM

C - Autonomy of judgment
1) Skill to document an experimental protocol and to critically evaluate the obtained results

D - Communication skills
1) Skill to clearly communicate the results of the analysis carried out
2) Skill to convey the overall results of the analysis to different types of audiences

E - Ability to learn
Capacità di correlare i dati provenienti da varie analisi per produrre una interpretazione archeologica tramite realizzazione di un protocollo sperimentale
Skill to relate the data obtained through different analyses in order to reach an archaeological intepretation through the achievement of an experimental protocol

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide students with a theoretical and practical background for understanding manufacture, use, and importance of stone tools in the past. This principal aim will be achieved by looking at prehistoric patterns of stone tool production and their links to the evolution of human behavior, cognition, and social organization around the world. We will cover different types of stone artifacts—chipped, ground, and polished stone tools as well as the by-products of their manufacture—and will look at the periods and case studies from the Lower Paleolithic to more recent times. Topics to be covered include approaches to tool form and function, raw material transfers and trade, science-based approaches to provenancing raw materials (flint, obsidian, quartzite, quartz, slate, sandstone, etc.), experimental approaches, aspects of social learning and cultural transmission of knowledge, innovations in approaches to stone tool technology, and importance of typological categories (arrowheads, hand axes, backed tools, etc.). In order to reconstruct the functional biographies of stone tools, the course engages students with hands-on laboratory activities and case studies. In this way, students will have an opportunity for independent work on diverse aspects of stone assemblages.