Course Description
A field course introducing insect diversity, classification, biology, and behavior in a tropical setting, including insect survey and collecting methods, observation and mini research projects, scientific writing, and discussion of tropical insect literature. Aspects of agricultural entomology with tropical crops and medically important insects are also covered.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to present two lectures while
abroad on a topic of interest. Graduate students will also be
required have to identify two additional orders, five additional
families, and five insects to genus for their insect collection.
Athena Title
Tropical Entomology
Non-Traditional Format
Study abroad course to be taught in the tropics.
Prerequisite
BIOL 1108
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will: 1. Appreciate and understand factors contributing to insect biodiversity in tropical environments. 2. Gain practical experience with insect survey methods. 3. Develop basic taxonomic knowledge essential to appreciating the diversity and biology of insects. 4. Learn skills for proper insect curation for scientific study. 5. Undertake insect natural history observation and documentation. 6. Formulate research hypotheses, collect field data, apply basic statistical methods relevant to interpretation, and present results orally and in writing. 7. Interpret, analyze, and discuss scientific literature on tropical insect biology. 8. Understand principles of insect pest management as applied to agricultural and medical entomology issues in the tropics.
Topical Outline
1. Insect biodiversity in tropical environments. a. Introduction – why study insects (and tropical insects in particular)? b. The tropical realm – it’s more than rainforest jungles c. Biodiversity – tropical and temperate comparisons and causes 2. Insect survey, sampling, and collection methods 3. Insect classification and systematics a. Insect anatomy and physiology b. Overview of arthropod systematics and insect classification (orders and families) 4. Tropical insect biology and behavior a. Feeding habits - herbivory, pollination, parasitism, predation b. Sociality – ants, bees, wasps, termites c. Defense – mimicry, weaponry d. Communication – chemical, auditory, visual, tactile 5. Insect pest management in tropical systems a. Medically important insects – insect-vertebrate interactions b. IPM in agriculture systems 6. Research methodology overview and hands-on experience a. Developing a research question and testable hypotheses b. Controlling variables and evaluating relevant literature c. Conducting a research project - collecting and analyzing data and writing a research report d. Preparing dynamic oral presentations of research results
Syllabus
Public CV