Duration
30h Th, 15h Pr, 2d FT Tr. Pr.
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The teaching focuses on the museums of science and technology, both in Belgium and abroad.
The teaching concerns the movable and semi-movable heritage of museums of science, technology and industry (historical scientific apparatus, tools, weapons, industrial machines, etc.) and "living" heritage (especially flora and fauna).
The varieties of display of these heritages are reviewed, not only through the various forms of museums, but also through less conventional exhibitions (factories visits, public events, toxic tourism, etc.).
After a quick historical overview of the interest for the material heritage of the museums of science, technology and industry, their varieties and their specificities, the materials used in their construction, the various degradations which concern them and the ways to preserve them are successively reviewed.
A lot of specific questions related to the practical management of collections are discussed (inventory, metrology, photography, handling, display, conditions for a correct preservation, storage, special legislation on military heritage, etc.).
Finally, the risks (asbestos, ionizing materials, explosives, etc.) related with the management and the display of the material heritage of museums of science, technology and industry and the means to preserve health are reviewed.
Issues related to "living" heritage will be addressed through a case study and field work.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The purpose of this teaching is to give students a solid basic knowledge in the field of scientific or technological conservation. Basically, the goal is to draw students' attention to the main issues relating to conservation, either to effectively preserve artefacts and documents or to prepare temporary or permanent exhibitions.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
No prior knowledge is required. However, an interest for history of science, history of technology or history of industry facilitates the understanding of most studied problematics.
Previous reading of popular works on the history of science and technology is recommended (e. g. Gingras Yves, Histoire des sciences, Paris, 2024; Jacomy Bruno, Une histoire des techniques, Paris, 2015).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures will be richly illustrated with photos (Power Point) and videos.
The "living heritage" section is implemented in the form of a case study.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
Face-to-face course
Additional information. The lectures relating to the first part (24 hours during the second term) are given Saturdays, as six hours blocks (three before noon and three after).
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Further information:
All the photos and videos shown during class are given (everything will be provided in digital form), as well as a bibliography of key references.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )
Written work / report
Further information:
Exam(s) in session
Any session
In-person. Written exam (multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions)
Additional information. Relating to the first part (24 hours), in view of the specificity and variety of problematics, a written exam offers a more unbiased evaluation.
The second part will be assessed on the basis of an individual written exam linked to the case study presented in class.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
Heritage of museums of science, technology and industry: ph.tomsin@uliege.be
"Living" heritage: nicolas.navarro@uliege.be
Association of one or more MOOCs
There is no MOOC associated with this course.