LABORATORY OF MICROBIOLOGY-MOD.2

The teaching integrates with practical lab-sessions the course CT0534 - Microbiology for the Degree Course in Sciences and Technologies for Cultural Heritage [CT60], becoming part of the characterizing activities. The specific educational goal of the course, which includes practical laboratory lessons accompanied by an ongoing explanation, is to provide students with the basic practical knowledge of biology and ecology in the microenvironment of biodeteriogenic organisms, so as to develop a scientific approach to understand and point out the peculiar biodeterioration processes interesting both modern and ancient artistic/cultural materials to be preserved.
The teaching develops with a multidisciplinary approach, recalling concepts and principles ranging from biochemistry to ecotoxicology useful for the sustainable management of BBCC and today's innovative materials.
Principal educational objectives of this teaching are: 1) to develop the ability to identify and discern the different (micro)organisms capable of generating biodeterioration; 2) to stimulate a systemic approach in the determination and resolution of degradation phenomena originating from biological attack; 3) to encourage for a transversal and multidisciplinary approach in framing possible and useful intervention methodologies; 4) to provide scientific basis for an appropriate experimental approach, while developing manual skills and accuracy, both with classical and advanced technologies; 5) to know how to process and evaluate the experimental data collected, in order to formulate the most appropriate line of intervention and management, considering the historical-artistic peculiarity and environmental location of artifacts or products; 6) to instil a precise and proper use of scientific language.

1. Knowledge and understanding
1.1. To know the morphological features characterizing the different biodeteriogens for their recognition.
1.2. To know the elements characterizing the physiology and the behaviour expressed by the different biodeteriogens in a particular site of attack, depending on its chemical-physical characteristics, in a specific environmental context.
1.3. Understanding the best intervention strategy based on the biochemical-functional characteristics expressed site-specifically by the biodeteriogen.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
2.1. Knowing how to recognize (micro)organisms and their interactions, as the cause of biodeterioration process.
2.2. Knowing how to frame the abiotic elements and environmental factors that influence the establishment of a biodeterioration process.
2.3. Being able to propose an intervention strategy, taking into account the chemical-physical properties of the matrices involved, to better manage a biodeterioration process.

3. Ability to judge
3.1. Knowing how to interpret, critically evaluate and discuss the results of experimental analysis, to identify and characterize biodeterioration processes, in particular focusing the dependence on the type of rooting matrix.
3.2. Being able to discern the best intervention strategy, not only as the most suitable methodologies applicable, but also in terms of costs, timing, toxicological impact on operators, environmental sustainability.
3.3. To develop the ability to frame the various chemical-physical-biological-environmental information collected for the most real definition of the (micro) environment and the most suitable conservation and conservation intervention.

4. Communication skills
4.1. Being able to communicate the knowledge learned and the results in a coherent and rigorous manner, using an appropriate scientific language.
4.2. Being able to interact with the teacher and with the classmates in a respectful and constructive way, especially during the experimental exercises in the laboratory and in the field.

5. Learning skills
5.1. Being able to take notes, showing autonomy in the identification of the salient aspects of the concepts expressed in class and of the focal points of laboratory experiments.
5.2. Being able to search and use reference texts and bibliography.
5.3. Being able to explain the theoretical topics in practical laboratory applications.

The topics covered during the course make it desirable that the student already has basic notions of biology and scientific method; furthermore, they presuppose knowledge of biochemistry, physics, general and inorganic chemistry, ecology.

In relation to the training objectives and expected learning outcomes, a diagnostic / analytical path is going to simulate on an artistic / cultural finding , even of interest to the individual student. The sessions - in general - will therefore be structured as follows:
• 1st session
- The microbiology lab: laminar flow hood, autoclave, microscopes (optical, stereo and SEM), incubators; dedicated glassware (Petri dishes, types of handles, containers and microbiology bottles). Agarized and broth culture media.
- Sterilisation procedures of instruments, materials and Cultural Heritage findings. Sterilisation interventions on the Cultural Heritage findings. Safety conditions for the operator.
• 2nd session
- Active and passive indoor and outdoor microbiological sampling. Microbiological Index calculation.
- Preparation of different growth media, suitable for a specific response on the single finding.
- Non invasive -microbiological sampling from a Cultural Heritage finding and inoculation techniques.
• 3rd session
- Biofilms and patinas on artistic artefacts: training, study and removal.
- Qualitative-quantitative verification of the UFC: counting, macroscopic recognition of the various CFUs, microbiological index calculation, operator worksheet compilation.
- Microbiological sampling from artistic artefacts: invasive and non-invasive techniques.
- Preparation of fresh slides.
- Practical elements for the use of optical and stereo microscope.
• 4th session
- Preparation of fixed slides and staining techniques.
- Gram staining. Comparison with fresh preparations.
- Microscopic observation of biodeteriogenic microorganisms (Bacteria, Fungi, Lichens, microalgae) on Cultural Heritage.
- Use of microbiology manuals for recognition.
• 5th session
- Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation of biodeteriogens found on various types of supports.

Lecture notes and presentations in ppt (previously provided for lectures). Information will also be provided on scientific articles to be consulted.
To deepen the topics covered:
- M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, K.S. Bender, D.H. Buckley, D. A. Stahl Brock. Biology of microorganisms. Pearson Learning Solution.
- S. Donadio, G. Marino. Microbial biotechnology. Ambrosian Publishing House.
- G. Caneva, M.P. Nugari, O. Salvadori. Plant biology for Cultural Heritage. Vol. 1: Biodeterioration and conservation. Nardini Editore.

The assessment of learning takes place by means of a written test, with open-ended questions. For each question a maximum score is already established and the evaluation will be performed in a comparative manner. The maximum overall score will be 10 points (which will be added to the maximum score of 20 in the part relating to the frontal lessons of the course of CT0409 – Microbiology).The objective of the exam consists in verifying and evaluating: a) the knowledge of the contents addressed in the lesson, b) the ability of critical reasoning, c) the attained ability to make transversal connections also with a multidisciplinary approach.
Accuracy degree of the answers and ownership of used scientific language will contribute to the positive outcome of the test. During the laboratory experience there is the obligation of attendance, under penalty of the lack of possibility to perform and pass the exam.

The teaching is organized in:
i) an introductory theoretical/practical lecture, supported by slides on PowerPoint (the files in .pdf format will be provided in advance to the lesson);
ii) four practical laboratory experiences: students will be asked to bring an object with probable attack of biodeteriogens; they will therefore be guided in the formulation and application of a specific path for the available substrate, sampling, preparation of cultivation systems, cultivation, classical identification techniques (in particular colouration and observations under stereo/optical/electronic microscope), use of methods and tools for sterilization. The students will be guided by the teacher in all the practical activities proposed (to optimize the time and work safely, groups of up to 15 people will be trained), accompanied by the understanding and the correct interpretation of the results obtained from the laboratory experience. For laboratory experience there is the obligation of attendance, under penalty of failure to perform and pass the exam. The teaching material is present and can be downloaded from the University's Moodle e-learning platform;
iii) at the request of students, in-depth seminars on real cases, directly followed by the teacher, presented with the aim of showing how to develop a systemic and multidisciplinary path in the identification and management of bioterioration phenomena, both indoors and outdoors.

ACCESSIBILITY, DISABILITY AND INCLUSION
Accommodation and Support Services for students with disabilities or specific learning disorders: Ca 'Foscari applies the Italian Law (Law 17/1999, Law 170/2010) for support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities or with specific learning disorders. In case of motor, visual disability, hearing or other disabilities (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disorder (Law 170/2010) and support is needed (assistance in the classroom, technological aids for exams) o individualized exams, material in accessible format, notes collection, specialized tutoring to support the study, interpreters or other), contact the Disability and DSA office: disable@unive.it.

SUSTAINABILITY '
• 1 CFU: lecture notes and materials for in-depth analysis and online self-assessment.
• 1 CFU: course contents dedicated to deepening biocide use with moderate impact both on environment and human health, especially when used in indoor environments; furthermore, in particular, by considering the use of natural products and/or by causing primarily metabolism/reproduction/ecology disturbance for biodeteriogens.

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This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development