This course is central to the Temple Summer in Sicily Study Abroad experience, the Sicily Applied Biotechnology Program. In collaboration with Prof. Franco Palla, coordinator of the 5-year degree in conservation of cultural heritage at the University of Palermo, Italy, students will apply the tools of enzyme biochemistry, protein purification and biochemical techniques, microbe specific metabolic pathways, and biotechnological techniques of DNA sequencing to artifact preservation and restoration. Students will visit specific archeological sites and receive demonstrations of preservation and restoration field work. Students in their sophomore or junior year of study in degree programs within the Biology or Chemistry departments are eligible. Other students, particularly those in Engineering or Architecture programs, may also be considered.

This course will include lectures, some laboratory experiences as well as guided visits to relevant historic sites around Sicily. Students will explore biotechnology applied to the conservation of cultural assets in Sicily. The course is focused on the application of biotechnological protocols to reveal and characterize microbial biodeterioration" of historic-artistic manufacts. Moreover, biotechnology can play an important role in the identification, isolation and application of bioactive molecules useful in artwork "biocleaning" procedures or to control microbial colonization acting as "biocide". During the academic track scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology and biotechnology are developed conceptually and applied in the laboratory. Students will gain theoretic and manual skills in the use of biotechnology for artifact preservation and restoration, and they will participate in visits to archaeological sites where field work will be demonstrated. The course has no prerequisites, however, typically sophomores and juniors studying biology, chemistry, biochemistry and other related disciplines would be the most ideal participant. Students from other majors in engineering or architecture could be qualified. There will be three type of lectures: in class lectures, applied work lectures in the laboratory and on site lectures with class visits to major artistic and historical sites. Students will be engaged in one of these activities for 4-5 days a week.