SMUS 575 - Science Museum Methods 3 s.h.

Museums and their collections are the scientific basis for our understanding of the past, the present, and also the future. These collections are inventories of our cultural, biological and geological heritage. Science Museums hold collections in a wide variety of disciplines including archeology, astronomy, physics, biology, entomology, botany, geology, herpetology, ichthyology, invertebrates, mammalogy, mycology, ornithology, palynology, paleontology, and zoology, among others. Understanding the history of various types of Science Museums - their culture and collections - is the aim of this course and will encompass collecting, conservation, mission statements, research and education value to society, project management, administration and regulations pertaining to Science Museum collections and materials. This course will cover a variety of readings, lectures, class discussions, a field trip, visits to scientific collection on campus and a practical lab experience.
Prerequisite(s): SMUS 525 ; permission of the instructor and the director is required for students not enrolled in CGP.