INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGIES FOR APPLIED PETROGRAPHY
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ROBERTA OCCHIPINTIExpected Learning Outcomes
The course aims to provide advanced knowledge of innovative analytical methodologies for the characterization of natural and artificial stone materials, as well as the skills required to design research projects focused on issues of archaeological interest (materials archaeometry), industrial relevance (production processes), and environmental concern (effects of pollution on materials).
With reference to the “Dublin Descriptors”, this course contributes to the acquisition of the following competencies:
Knowledge and understanding:
- In-depth knowledge of the most recent analytical techniques for petrographic characterization (e.g., advanced microscopy, spectroscopies, microanalysis, digital imaging, non-destructive techniques) of geological and archaeological materials, and understanding of their origin and transformations in natural and anthropogenic contexts.
- Understanding of the theoretical principles, as well as the potential and limitations, of each methodology.
- Understanding of environmental systems, georesources, and geological heritage in relation to sustainability and interactions with human activities.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
- Ability to select and critically apply innovative geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic analytical techniques to characterize the composition, origin, and properties of geological and non-geological materials in relation to specific research or conservation issues.
- Integrated use of instrumental and digital methods for the analysis of natural and artificial materials.
- Development of operational skills for the preparation of a research project in applied petrography (definition of objectives, methodology, experimental plan).
Making judgements:
- Ability to make informed decisions when dealing with complex problems and to identify the most suitable methods with respect to the scientific or applied issue.
- Ability to identify the most appropriate methods for specific parameters and contexts, and to critically analyze, interpret, and process experimental data obtained from different techniques.
Communication skills:
- Ability to present a scientific topic orally using appropriate terminology.
- Ability to write a research project.
Learning skills:
- Ability to independently consult databases, scientific literature, and regulatory references.
- Acquisition of self-learning skills.
- Development of independent research skills and preparation for advanced research activities or further academic pathways (PhD).
Course Structure
The course is structured into lectures (Didactic Delivery – DD) and interactive activities (Interactive Didactics – ID), aimed at achieving the learning objectives of the course. During the lectures, the theoretical and methodological principles of the main innovative analytical techniques used in the study of materials of geological and archaeometric interest will be presented, along with the criteria for selecting and applying the most suitable tools for different investigation contexts. These activities enable students to acquire the knowledge necessary to understand the chemical, mineralogical, and petrographic properties of natural and artificial stone materials and to address studies of material characterization, provenance, conservation, and degradation.
Interactive Didactics includes applied exercises both in the classroom, through the analysis and discussion of scientific articles related to real case studies, and through practical laboratory activities. These activities promote the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts, the development of critical thinking skills, and the acquisition of operational competencies.
If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus
Required Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites; however, basic knowledge of mineralogy and petrography is required. The following background knowledge should be considered useful for a full understanding of the course.
Attendance of Lessons
Mandatory, in accordance with the provisions of the academic regulations.
Detailed Course Content
Introduction and review of the main concepts of mineralogy, petrography and geochemistry
Innovative analytical methodologies (destructive, non-destructive, micro-destructive, and non-invasive); advanced applications to natural and artificial stone materials (rocks, pigments, glass, traditional and industrial ceramics, mortars, plasters, etc.) and issues of archaeological interest (materials archaeometry), industrial relevance (production processes), and environmental concern (effects of pollution on materials).
Elemental techniques
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS)
• Introduction to portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF)
• Case studies
Vibrational molecular techniques
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), attenuated total reflectance (ATR), and diffuse reflectance (DRIFT)
• Raman spectroscopy and introduction to Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
• Case studies
Microscopic techniques
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
• Comparison with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Case studies
Multispectral imaging techniques
• UV fluorescence
• IR reflectography
• Case studies
Synchrotron radiation and image analysis
• Synchrotron light analysis and X-ray microtomography
• 2D and 3D image analysis techniques
• Case studies
Other synchrotron radiation-based techniques
• Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Diffraction (SR-XRD)
• X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)
• Case studies
Neutron techniques
• Properties of neutrons
• Neutron radiography
• Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and comparison with Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP)
• Time-of-Flight Neutron Diffraction (TOF-ND) and comparison with conventional X-ray diffraction
• Case studies
Types and structure of a research project with related exercises, including the use of specific software related to the techniques used during the course and spreadsheets, preparatory to the drafting of a final project.
Textbook Information
Course materials: lecture notes and scientific journal publications.
Recommended text book: Alfredo Castellano, Marco Martini, Emanuela Sibilia, Elementi di archeometria. Metodi fisici per i beni culturali, EGEA, 2007.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Traditional and innovative analytical techniques; comparison between destructive, non-destructive, micro-destructive and non-invasive techniques. Applications | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 2 | Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Laser Ablation (LA-ICP-MS); case studies. | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 3 | Portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF); case studies. | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 4 | Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, FTIR-ATR, DRIFT); case studies. | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 5 | Raman spectroscopy and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS); case studies. | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 6 | Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and comparison with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM); case studies. | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 7 | Multispectral imaging techniques; case studies. | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 8 | Synchrotron radiation analysis and X-ray microtomography | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 9 | 2D and 3D image analysis | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 10 | Synchrotron radiation X-ray Diffraction (SR-XRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS); case studies | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 11 | Neutron properties, neutronography. | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 12 | Time of flight neutron diffraction (TOF-ND) and comparison with classic X-ray Diffraction; case studies. | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 13 | Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and comparison with Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP); case studies | Lectures slides and notes, scientific papers on the platform “Studium” |
| 14 | Applications in the fields of cultural heritage, industry and environment. | Scientific papers on the platform “Studium” divided according to the subject |
| 15 | Redaction of a research project | Lectures slides and notes |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Learning is assessed through a written test and an oral examination.
The written test consists of the preparation of a research project on a topic related to the subjects covered during the course, with particular reference to the application of innovative methodologies and techniques for the petrographic study of natural materials and materials used in cultural heritage. The student is required to demonstrate the ability to identify a scientific problem, define research objectives, select the most appropriate analytical methodologies, and critically interpret the expected results.
The oral examination is aimed at the critical discussion of the research project prepared by the student and at the in-depth analysis of specific theoretical and methodological aspects addressed during the course. The overall assessment will take into account the ability to apply the acquired knowledge, clarity of presentation, autonomy in analysis, and the appropriate use of the scientific terminology of the discipline.
Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti)
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
- Questions concerning the research project presented.
- Selection of the most suitable methodologies to address a given problem.
- Distinction between elemental analysis techniques and molecular analysis techniques.
- Types of responses obtainable from a given analytical method.
- Comparison between classical and innovative methods.