Methods of Pests Control in Material Culture

Description

Through knowledge and understanding, students will be able to: • Identify common pests that occur in archaeological sites and museums • Specify the basics of the fauna and microorganisms methods of replication • Appreciate of morphological structure and habits and behaviour of common pests • Explain the different bacterial pigments • Recognise the general characteristics of fungus and the division of fungi according to the method of feeding • Recognise of the most important terms in the field of specialization • Choose preventive methods for controlling pests • Explain the methods of chemical pesticides and their different labels • Explain biocontrol and mechanical control • Explain the best methods to apply pesticides to archaeological organic materials • Recognise manifestations of insect deterioration to organic archaeological materials • Appreciate the best types of pesticides used in museums and archaeological sites and the safety procedures of their use • Recognise methods of chemical, physical, and biological resistance in museums and archaeological sites Through intellectual skills, students will be able to: • Compare between the various forms of deterioration caused by pests • Discern the best types of control to use in museums and archaeological sites • Critique methods of control • Apply environmental friendly solutions when possible • Use library sources effectively Through professional and practical skills, students will be able to: • Apply the scientific methods to identify the type of pests located on museums and archaeological sites • Implement of methods to control the various pests’ infections in museums and archaeological sites • Write well-researched scientific papers • Give a 10-minute presentation on a topic of pest control • Observe and write down observations in a reflective journal. Through general and transferable skills, students will be able to: • Provide accurate information on the subject matter • Work with colleagues on a presentation and understand team work dynamics • Critique opinions and scientific ideas and link them through scientific reasoning • Provide accurate information on the subject matter • Use computer and modern technological means in communication, access, and search for information • Plan, organize and manage time • Work with colleagues on a presentation and understand team work dynamics • Create, innovate to find alternative solutions to solve problems

Program

Material Culture Conservation

Objectives

• This course is an introduction to study the principles of pests control with a complete study of the animal kingdom and the scientific classification of common pests specialized in the destruction of archaeological materials. Students will thoroughly observe the different organisms and their method of replication and the resources they consume. The course will also cover control methodology (biological, chemical, mechanical, and ecological) and safety precautions. The course will overview the types of pests commonly found in museums and archaeological sites and how climate change affects this type of biodeterioration.