ZOOL0004-1

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

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

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

Learning unit 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 learning unit

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

Assessment methods and criteria

Oral examination :

About a zoological group, choosen in Aquarium or Natural History Museum
Critical reflexion about this zoological group, the way he is supported in our rooms, improvement, ... (short report and presentation)

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

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

Public Aquariums and Natural History Museums