ZOOL0004-1 : Public Aquariums and Natural History Museums

Study Programmes 2015-2016

ZOOL0004-1

Public Aquariums and Natural History Museums

Duration :

30h Th

Number of credits :

Master in history of art and archaeology : general (120 ECTS)		5
Master in history of art and archaeology : general (120 ECTS)		5
Master in history of art and archaeology : general (120 ECTS)		5
Master in history of art and archaeology : general (120 ECTS)		5

Lecturer :

Christian Michel

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

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.

Learning outcomes of the course :

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, ...

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

Good command of French language

Open-mindedness

Basic knowledge in science, College level

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

During session : Detailed tour of Natural History Museum Rooms and reserves, of Aquarium Rooms and Technical rooms

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

6 sessions at Zoological Institute