BIOL 245
Museum Techniques
1. Catalog Entry
BIOL 245
Museum Techniques
Credit hours (3) Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, BIOL 112, and permission of instructor. (BIOL 112 may be taken as a corequisite).
The goal of this course is to develop proficiency in museum preparation and curation techniques for vertebrates; additional topics may include invertebrates and plants depending on student interest.
This is a hands-on, laboratory-based course focused on the preparation of museum-quality animals, with most weeks spent preparing Virginia birds and mammals as teaching specimens. These tasks include museum-standard taxidermy, tissue extraction and preservation, and recording standard natural history measurements.
Reptile preservation and mounted specimens (using prepared molds) of birds or mammals will also be introduced, with flexibility to accommodate student interests.
Detailed Course Description
Weekly laboratory tasks are structured around vertebrate groups, with the specific animal type reflecting available specimens for taxidermy each week. Students develop repeated, hands-on experience preparing museum-quality specimens across a range of taxa.
In addition to specimen preparation, students complete a collaborative research poster project near the end of the semester. This project provides an opportunity to step back from technical work and engage in a deeper exploration of a taxidermy- or museum-related topic of their choosing. Because the course does not include traditional lectures or exams, the research poster serves as a primary written and analytical assessment.
Students may present their research at the undergraduate research forum and display the specimens they have prepared, integrating scientific communication with tangible contributions to teaching and research collections. Alternative presentation or assessment formats may be used depending on scheduling and student needs.
Potential Weekly Tasks
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Course Requirements
Given the small class size and limited meeting time for a 3-credit course, regular attendance and active participation are expected.
Course Grading
Student evaluation is based on the successful completion and overall quality of course activities, including taxidermy and specimen curation work.
Assessment of completed specimens emphasizes adherence to professional museum techniques and overall specimen quality. Evaluation may consider factors such as initial specimen quality versus final specimen quality, relative level of difficulty, sewing and proper wire placement, pinning and positioning, formatting of specimen tags, and legibility of documentation.
Students are encouraged to complete additional specimens when possible in order to refine techniques and demonstrate improvement over time.
Representative Grading Components
Overall grading structure may vary slightly depending on specimen availability and course progression. The number and type of specimens may vary based on availability; students will have sufficient opportunities to demonstrate proficiency across major vertebrate groups.
Student Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this course, students will be able to:
Assessment Measures
Evaluation of completed specimens is based on overall quality and adherence to appropriate museum techniques. Assessment may consider factors such as initial specimen quality versus final specimen quality, relative level of difficulty, sewing and proper wire placement, pinning and positioning, formatting of specimen tags, and legibility of documentation.
Evaluation of the research poster and presentation is also included.
Poster evaluation may incorporate self-assessment, peer feedback, and instructor evaluation.
Assessment may consider:
Review and Approval
April 16, 2026