The bachelor programme at the Department of Natural History is designed to give the student a basic theoretical knowledge of as well as practical skills in the conservation and restoration of natural history objects. Additionally, curatorship of natural history collections is a main subject.

During the first five terms of the bachelor programme the following three main areas are covered:

Botanical conservation, which includes use of microscopes, cutting and dyeing methods and introduction to the concepts of plant and xylem anatomy. Moreover, courses in various conservation methods used for dry preparation and freeze drying of botanical material are given.

The curriculum also covers higher plants and herbaria where the taxonomy and identification of higher plants are practised. The herbarium as a form of conservation is also discussed.

Zoological conservation covers both invertebrates and vertebrates. The course covering invertebrates takes the form of a field course where various groups of invertebrates are studied. The morphology and taxonomy of the most important vertebrate groups are examined by dissection. Evolution theories, taxonomy and animal ethics are also discussed.

The knowledge gained forms the basis for courses in conservation and restoration of zoological specimens. Instruction is given in taxidermy with emphasis on restoration of old zoological specimens. The course on hides and skins covers structure, histology, chemical-physical properties, tanning and deterioration, and skinning and measuring of animals in museum contexts. The structure, deterioration, conservation and restoration of hard tissues are introduced and preparation of dry and wet objects, including maceration of zoologicial objects, are demonstrated.

The Washington Convention (CITES), the executive order on conservators and the statutory registration are studied together with the Act on Game and  Conservation of Nature. The course is concluded with an examination.

The Danish fauna is studied in courses on identification of species, which are also concluded with an examination. The problems of zoonoses, which are zoological diseases communicable from animals to humans, are also discussed.

Geological conservation. This course gives a broad introduction to geology, geological tools and methods. The formation, composition and conservation of rock types are discussed, and exercises are done in identification of minerals and rock types.

The part relating to conservation mainly deals with paleontologic material, however, paleontology is the subject of separate courses. The principal methods in acid and mechanical preparation are studied. Special attention is given to salts, means of consolidation and the problem of pyrites (sulphate deterioration of fossils).

The course in paleontology covers both invertebrates and vertebrates. Selected groups are followed through geological time and, possible preservation environments are discussed especially with a view to taphonomic and diagenetic processes.

In addition instruction is given in casting techniques, photographic documentation, nature conservation, exhibition techniques, chemistry, documentation and preventive conservation.

Interdepartmental classes are held for some of the courses.

Further information on the Department of Natural History is available from Head of Department, Arne Redsted Rasmussen and Knud Botfeldt.