SMUS 501 - Collections, Acquisitions, Care and Management of Natural History and Science Collections 1 s.h.

This course will cover the essential responsibilities of museum professionals for their museum’s collections. Topics include collections planning, systematic collections, creating a meaningful collection, refining existing collections, creating new collections, as well as ethical and legal issues involved in these activities. Students will also gain knowledge and practical experience in cataloging, caring for, storing and housing objects for a variety of museum purposes including research, exhibition, programming and shipping. Special attention will be given to an understanding of the collection, care and management of wet specimens, natural history collections, human remains, and a brief overview of the management of living collections.