Dr. Till Töpfer

University of Bonn, OEP course "Form & Function in Birds: an evolutionary perspective"

Winter semester 2022/23, 9^th January - 3^rd February 2023)

This course deals with the basics of species diversity and classification of birds illustrated by selected evolutionary, ecological and functional aspects. Participants will develop an understanding of avian morphology as a result of adaptive processes shaped in time by ecological and behavioural constraints. Finally, students shall be enabled to draw conclusions on the systematic position and on the general lifestyle of birds based on external avian characters.

Evolutionary and functional interrelationships of selected groups of birds will be studied by own studies. Defining adaptations and specializations of selected birds will be examined in detail based on exemplary specimens that accompany students throughout the course.

University of Bonn, M.A. Museum Studies "The culture of collecting: how much science is to be found in natural history collections?"

(Winter semester 2022/23, 15^th March 2023)

This practical course deals with the definition of (natural history) museums and the special role of research museums and their scientific collections. Using the example of the Museum Koenig, aspects of the historical and current self-conception of natural history museums are presented and discussed. Collection-related research work is presented and contextualised by way of example. Fundamental concepts of zoological collections, their conservation, cataloguing and digitisation are explained, as are principles of collection management, specimen storage and pest protection. Using the example of the bird collection of the Museum Koenig, selected types of specimens and preservation techniques are also discussed.