MUSEOLOGY

Module Zoological Museology

Educational Objectives
This course aims to provide students with the methodological tools necessary to deepen their knowledge of the history of natural history museology, with a particular focus on zoological museums, and to critically evaluate the main issues related to current museum communication methods. Furthermore, it aims to foster awareness of the conservation of natural heritage and develop operational skills in museum exhibition design.
To this end, in addition to lectures, field trips to museums and seminars on topics and case studies will be included.
Knowledge and Understanding. Students will acquire a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical foundations of zoological museology, with particular reference to the historical evolution of scientific museums, methods of managing zoological collections, and techniques for conserving and cataloging specimens. Ethical principles and regulations relating to the conservation of natural heritage will also be covered.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding. Students will be able to apply their acquired knowledge to: design and organize zoological museum exhibitions; manage zoological collections, including cataloging, digitizing, and preventative conservation of specimens; and develop strategies for scientific dissemination and museum education, adapting them to different audiences.
Making judgments. Students will develop the ability to critically analyze issues related to the management and promotion of zoological collections, proposing solutions based on scientific, ethical, and regulatory principles. They will be able to evaluate the impact of their decisions on the conservation of natural heritage and on scientific communication.
Communication skills. Students will acquire the skills to effectively communicate scientific content related to zoological museology, using clear and appropriate language for different audiences, including industry experts, students, and museum visitors. They will also be able to use multimedia tools to disseminate and promote zoological collections.
Learning skills. Students will develop a critical and independent approach to learning, which will allow them to deepen their knowledge in the field of zoological museology and to constantly update themselves on innovative methodologies and new technologies applied to museum management.

Teaching will be delivered through lectures, workshops, and fieldwork. If teaching is taught in a blended or distance learning format, necessary changes may be made to the previously stated curriculum, in order to adhere to the planned program outlined in the syllabus. Assessment may also be conducted electronically, if circumstances require.

An average knowledge of zoological taxonomy and systematics is required.

mandatory course attendance

General scientific museology. Science and Technology Museums. Planetariums and Astronomical Observatories, Zoological Museums, Zoological Gardens, Aquariums and Bioparks, Ecomuseums, Science Centers. The Museum of Zoology: Definitions, Tasks, Typologies and Sections. Conservation: Acquisitions. Cataloging. Maintenance and conservation techniques of zoological material. Museumization. Storage. Museography. Management of chemical-physical environmental factors. Techniques for setting up exhibitions (thematic showcase, diorama, multimedia, billboards: study of texts, images, colour). Permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions. Safety of the public and of the exhibits; intrusion protection. Brief review on the natural "enemies" of organic preparations. Museum education and communication, role and value. Historical evolution of teaching. Information and Dissemination: Public and verification of actions, Paths, alternative forms, interactions with training agencies, points of sale and information mediators. Communication plan for a museum. Research: collection campaigns, study of preserved finds, communication strategies. Studies conducted on the public. History of naturalistic museology: the precursors (Egypt, Rome), the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the wunderkammern, the Enlightenment and the first naturalistic museums. The 19th century and the great naturalistic journeys. The 20th century and the stasis. Current Italian and international zoological museums. The historical and psychological reasons at the root of naturalistic collections: collecting; biophilia; the curiosity

Written or oral exam to assess theoretical knowledge.

· Practical projects on cataloging or museum display.

· Active participation in workshops or educational visits.

Assessment may also be conducted online, if circumstances require.

How does a museum work and who are the main players? How to label a zoological specimen? Preparation and conservation techniques for liquid and dry zoological material. The role of chemicals in the preparation of zoological specimens. Principles for designing a temporary exhibition. Different audiences, different types of languages. Illustrating a thematic showcase. Examples of guided tours. Mandatory or optional itineraries. Differences between holotypes, paratypes, and syntypes. Safety regulations within the museum. The enemies of zoological specimens. Cataloging and labeling techniques. Museum communication techniques. Museum education techniques. How to write a brochure for an animal on display. Multimedia in the museum. The importance of lighting, artistic effects, and conservation issues. Use of museums in the social and therapeutic fields. Ecomuseums. Museum marketing. Dioramas.