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ZOOL0004-1

Public Aquariums and Natural History Museums

[ version française ]

Duration :30h Th
Credits/ECTS :
Holder(s) :Christian Michel
Course contents : Natural History Museums and Public Aquariums allow city dwellers to keep contact with Mother Nature, from whom they come, from whom they're separated, but for whom they feel nostalgic and keep interest and curiosity.
Such patrimonial institutions are increasing. Therefore, it is obvious to prepare specialists in museology for such domains.



Relying on our Museum (first collections in 1817) and Aquarium (open in 1962) experience, this course aim to:
  • give students general but rigorous skills in natural history, particularly zoology and biodiversity.
  • consider means of communication in such fields.
Course objective : First, we will consider zoology and biodiversity, to be able to understand how such museums work and think.


So, in an illustrated and interactive way, we'll tackle:
  • scientific method, and zoology among natural sciences ;
  • fields necessary to understand dead and living collections : morphology, physiology, behaviour and, of course, systematics ;
  • large divisions of animal world: main groups, their characteristics and their evolution.



Afterwards, we'll speak about special techniques of collection and preservation of specimens, keeping in mind Man-Animal relationship's history, following the evolution of ideas and mentalities.
Of course, our Natural History Museum and our Aquarium will be at the centre of the discussion, and we'll consider how they cope with conservation, studies and knowledge diffusion, discovering collection rooms, reserves, techniques, ...
Prerequisites :
  • Good command of French language
  • Open mindedness
  • Basic knowledge in science, College level
Workshops : During session : Detailed tour of Natural History Museum Rooms and reserves, of Aquarium Rooms and Technical rooms
Organization : 7 sessions at Zoological Institute
Written notes : In preparation.
Complementary information will be given : books, articles or Internet links.
Assessment : Oral examination :
  • About a zoological group, choosen in Aquarium or Natural History Museum
  • Critical reflexion about the team, the way he si supported in our rooms, improvement, ... (short report and presentation)
Contacts : C. J. Michel, PhD.
Curator of Aquarium-Muséum,
Lecturer

Tel : + 32 (0)4 366 5007
Fax : + 32 (0)4 366 5093
Mail : Christian.Michel@ulg.ac.be




ULg : Students and Studies Administration - Academic Affairs
Contact : Monique Marcourt, direction A.E.E.
Date of data : 18/05/2007
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