BIOEE 1150 - Techniques of Avian Specimen Preparation

Fall. 2 credits (may be repeated for credit). S/U grades only.

Course fee: $20. Permission of instructor required. Transportation to the Lab of Ornithology is necessary. There is a shuttle that runs about 4 times a day from campus to the Lab of Ornithology. Additionally, there are transportation options with TCAT buses.

M. Ferraro, V. Rohwer.

This course has two main objectives: 1) to illustrate the diverse uses of natural history collections for research, teaching and conservation, and 2) to introduce students to the fine art of avian specimen preparation. Students will learn multiple specimen preparation techniques (skeletons, spread wings, and round skins) and will be required to prepare 20 round skins to receive course credit. Students will be evaluated on the quality of their specimens and on their participation in an in-class debate surrounding the value of natural history collections.

Outcome 1: Practice avian specimen preparation.

Outcome 2: Integrate examples of diverse uses of specimens to articulate the value of natural history collections.