Michael Greeff: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2016

Name	Dr. Michael Greeff
Address	Professur f. Biokomm. u. Ökologie ETH Zürich, WEV E 26.1 Weinbergstr. 56/58 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 633 88 25
E-mail	michael.greeff@usys.ethz.ch
URL	https://www.ethz.ch/content/specialinterest/usys/ias/biocommunication/en/entomological-collection.html
Department	Environmental Systems Science
Relationship	Lecturer

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
551-0435-00L	Systematic Biology: Zoology	3 credits	2V + 2P	O. Y. Martin, M. Greeff
Abstract	Lecture: The lecture provides an overview of animal diversity. Using key selected groups, phylogenetic, morphological and ecological aspects are addressed. Two priority topics are the arthropods and the vertebrates (including vertebrate fauna of Switzerland). Practical: Knowledge of selected animal groups and their characteristics (supplementing the lecture) and of the basic methods.
Learning objective	Lecture: The systematic classification of animals and the characteristics of the most important animal groups, basic animal body plans. Practical: Examples of selected animal groups and their characteristics; acquire the relevant skills: simple preparations, dissection, microscopy, drawing, protocols.
Content	Lecture: Body plans, characteristics, diversity and phylogenetic position of the main groups of Protozoa, Invertebrates, and Vertebrates, with a special focus on Arthropods and Vertebrates (including vertebrate fauna of Switzerland). Practical: Macroscopic and microscopic study of selected Protozoa, Invertebrates (especially insects) and Vertebrates: morphology and anatomy; behaviour, mainly locomotion, feeding, and reproduction.
Lecture notes	A script for the course will be sold in the lecture, and additional material will be handed out (particularly in the practical).
Literature	No further literature required, the script contains suggestions for further reading.
851-0101-53L	Collections in Context: What Do Historians and Scientists Learn from Butterflies, Stones, and Bones? Particularly suitable for students of D-BIOL, D-BSSE, D-USYS	3 credits	2S	B. Schär, M. Greeff
Abstract	Zurich holds huge scientific collections. They contain objects from around the world, some of them dating back to the 18th century. This interdisciplinary seminar combines perspectives from the history of science and from current scientific disciplines. What do these objects tell us about Zurich's place in the global history of science? What potentials do old collections hold for scientists today?
Learning objective	The aim of this seminar is threefold: Firstly, students will become familiarised with historiographical approaches to scientific collections. Among them are constructivist approaches that seek to understand scientific knowledge not primarily as a system of objective truths, but rather as an outcome of human 'constructions'. Other approaches deal with the problem of how scientific objects are related to systems of power and oppression, namely in the case of objects collected during the time of european colonialism overseas. Secondly, students will become familiarized with how old collections can yeald new insights for current scientists working, e.g., on questions of ecology. Thirdly, the seminar shall serve as a plattform to discuss ways of dialogue and possible collaboration between these different approaches. Students will be expected to read theoretical texts and case studies during semester, participate in discussions with external experts (historians, curators, and scientists), and to write a summarizing essay at the end of the term.