The course aims to provide a broad framework of the problems relating to the fields of investigation of physics applied to cultural heritage, also dealing with some basic aspects of conservation, restoration and information technology. In this way, students will be able to have the knowledge, competence and ability to evaluate the areas and limits of applicability of the specific methodologies (physical, chemical, mineralogical, petrographic, naturalistic and innovative IT methods and techniques necessary for the study and conservation of cultural heritage). Through the illustration of various case studies, the course also intends to provide students with some examples of research lines in the field of diagnostics of cultural heritage, dating and provenance methods, as well as the characterization of materials used in the cultural heritage sector.