| CODE | BLH4017 | ||||||
| TITLE | Scientific Principles for Conservation: Biology | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 04 - Years 4, 5 in Modular UG or PG Cert Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Conservation and Built Heritage | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will consist of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions. It will deliver fundamentals in Biology, which have a particular relevance for the field of cultural heritage and conservation. This introductory study-unit will be the foundation for subsequent study-units that will be delivered in the MSc according to the different streams. Topics will include: the properties of life; the cell, including types, structure and function; fundamentals of biochemistry; cell division; principles of metabolism; basic concepts of classification of living organisms and biological nomenclature; fundamentals of plants biology; fundamentals of entomology; fundamentals of microbiology; basic ecology concepts Topics will be explained, wherever possible, using practical examples relevant for Cultural Heritage and Conservation. Tutorials are an important component of this unit and will regularly be scheduled to revise important concepts and clarify possible queries raised by the students. Laboratory sessions will be used to observe features related to organisms and microorganisms. Study-Unit Aims: - Provide fundamentals in Biology relevant for Cultural Heritage and Conservation; - Explain types, components, basic function and metabolism of cells; - Introduce the classification, basic morphology and physiology of organisms and microorganisms relevant for Cultural Heritage and conservation; - Explain the relevance of Biology for Cultural Heritage and Conservation. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Define the properties of life and describe types of cells, their main structure, division and function, including metabolic reactions; - Explain how organisms are grouped according to the kingdoms of life using a correct biological nomenclature; - Relate characteristics that make an organism a plant, describe the essential parts of a selection of relevant plant phylums and their function; - Relate characteristics that make an organism an animal; - Discuss the fundamental characteristics of a small selection of relevant insects including their basic morphology and major life stages; - Describe the basic characteristics of a selection of relevant microorganisms, including morphology, cell biology and metabolic pathways. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Communicate using a proper biological vocabulary; - Relate the relevance of Biology to Cultural Heritage and Conservation. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Caneva G., Nugari M. P. and Salvadori O. 1991. Biology in the conservation of works of art. ICCROM - International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (Available at Bighi Library General) - Mason K. A., Losos J. B., Duncan T. ,Raven P. H. and Johnson G. B. 2020. Biology (Twelfth). McGraw-Hill Education (Available at Junior College Library General) Supplementary Readings: - Sadava D. E. Hillis D. M. Heller H. C. & Berenbaum M. 2014. Life : the science of biology. volume 1 the cell and heredity (10th ed.). Sinauer (Available at Junior College Library General) - Sadava D. E. (2013). Life : the science of biology. volume 2 evolution diversity and ecology (10th ed.). W.H. Freeman; Palgrave distributor (Available at Junior College Library General) |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Ind Study, Lec, Group Learn, Practicum & Onl Learn | ||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Stephanie Sammut |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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