300217 SE Seminar for Masters, Diploma and PhD-students (2015S)

Introduction to taxonomic-systematic work and the logistics of the collections in the Entomological Department of the Natural History Museum Vienna
This course is intended as a glance backstage at the Museum of Natural History of Vienna and as an introduction to the otherwise inaccessible world of the tremendous scientific collections. These contain historical and recently acquired elements, the relevance of which for systematic-phylogeny and biogeography can hardly be overestimated. However, their heuristic value, compared to collections open to the public, is underappreciated.
The course centers on the Neuropterida, Orthopteroidea and associated collections. If desired, other collections are also available. The origin of the collection, its curation and documentation, as well as the scientific analyses based on it are explained and demonstrated ("From expedition to publication"). Furthermore, particular methods, such as preparation and illustration of genital sclerites, are shown.
The message to be conveyed is that the collections are scientifically relevant at all levels of phylogenetic hierarchy. The course will be understood as an invitation to adventure with insect systematics.