Entomology Courses

Entomology | Courses | Faculty

(All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise noted.)

126 Insects and Human Society (BS) (both sem)

Survey with emphasis on the successful design of insects and their innovative features. Aspects of insect biology, including communication, defense, feeding, and mating behaviors. Social behavior with a focus on termite, ant, and honey bee societies. Beneficial uses of insects such as silk and pollination, and negative interactions with humans, including disease vectors, parasites, and crop pests. Slides, videos, and live insects used extensively. Not for majors in biological sciences. Offered without lab.

166 Practical Beekeeping

The practical aspects of beekeeping understood in terms of the life cycle of the bee and the bee colony, and the place of bees in our world. Learning how to acquire, set up, and manage bee colonies. Dissection may be required.

181 Introduction to Integrated Pest Management (not offered '01-'02) 2 cr

Topics include a survey of the biological, chemical, and cultural tools for control of insect, weed, and disease pests and how to select and combine control methods in an effective and environmentally responsible manner. Prerequisite: senior standing in Stockbridge School of Agriculture or consent of instructor.

182 Principles of Pesticide Management (2nd sem) 2 cr

Topics include state and federal pesticide laws and regulations, pesticides and the environment, handling and storage of pesticides, classes and formulations of pesticides, safety and application equipment, understanding the pesticide label, toxicity, proper calculation and mixing of pesticides, and history of pesticide use. Includes preparation for the Massachusetts Pesticide Core Examination.

271 Using Insects in the Classroom (BSL) (2nd sem)

Hands-on, open-ended experiences with live insects used in the classroom. Development of integrated educational units that use insects but focus on art, history, music, and mathematics. Experiences in using microscope, raising live insects, collecting and observing insects, making an insect collection. The biology of the insect compared to the human system.

326 Insect Biology (1st sem)

With optional lab and field trips. How insects solve their problems of maintenance, survival, reproduction, etc., and how entomologists apply this knowledge in managing them. Other topics include insect evolution, plant and insect interactions, biodiversity and conservation of insects, behavior, and insect pest management. Emphasis on various insect models (e.g., Drosophila) as they relate to major research in biology.

327 Insect Biology Lab (1st sem) 1 cr

Lab designed to demonstrate information covered in the lecture part of the course and to help students learn various entomological techniques (i.e., how to collect, identify, and preserve insects). Lab work with live insects affords students an opportunity to observe various body parts at work and to see what internal structures are present. Several field trips, dissections of several insects, and a collection required.

342 Pesticides, the Environment, and Public Policy

Current issues associated with pesticide use; includes discussion of role of pesticides in agriculture, public health, and other related areas; fate of pesticides in the environment; and public perception of pesticides. Case studies examine benefits and risks of pesticide use; environmental cancer; and role of media and public interest groups in pesticide decisions. Alternatives to current heavy reliance on chemical technology in pest control. Current and pending federal, state, and local legislation.

(BIOTCH) 385 Laboratory in Agricultural Biotechnology (2nd sem) 4 cr

An introduction to the methodology fundamental to the practice of modern agricultural biotechnology. Techniques covered include establishment and manipulation of plant and animal cell cultures, preparation and analysis of DNA, isolation and characterization of proteins, and use of immunoassays and flow cytometry. Major emphasis on student performance of lab exercises which provide direct experience with each of the techniques mentioned. Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and BIOL 100 or equivalent. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment limited.

511 Insect Behavior (2nd sem odd yrs)

Behaviors of insects analyzed from physiological, ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include communication, defense, learning, competition, spacing patterns, orientation mechanisms, dispersal and migration, host and mate finding, food selection, feeding, courtship, production of young, and social behavior.

523 Biological Control (2nd sem odd yrs)

Ecological principles of pest suppression via conservation, augmentation or introduction of natural enemies of insects, plants, and other pests. Biological control presented as foundation of sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management. Applications discussed for biological control in both production systems (farming, forestry) and for protection of natural ecosystems and rare species from damage caused by invasive, exotic pests.

572 Forest and Shade Tree Insects (2nd sem odd yrs) 4 cr

With lab. Ecology, biology, and control of insects which attack shade trees, forests, and forest products. A brief introduction to insects; attention to the more important forest and shade tree insects.

581 Integrated Pest Management
(1st sem) 5 cr

Theory and application of the principles of insect, disease, and weed pest management. Focus on pest and natural enemy sampling techniques, properties of available control strategies, underlying ecological and behavioral principles, model pest management systems, and societal concerns. Prerequisites: ENT 326 and MICBIO 530 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

585 Toxicology of Insecticides (1st sem odd yrs)

All aspects of insecticide chemistry, including toxicity, classification, pharma- codynamics and metabolism, mechanisms of action, resistance, and environmental toxicology. For advanced science undergraduates with toxicological, agricultural, or environmental interests. Prerequisite: organic chemistry.

590A Insect Microbiology (1st sem even yrs)

Introduction to insect microbial interactions; attention to pathogenic microorganisms; including viruses, fungi, bacteria, and protozoa; concentration on the molecular basis of pathogenesis.

592 Chemicals and the Environment (1st sem even yrs)

Concepts and principles of environmental toxicology. Chemical structure activity relationships; their interaction with environment. Basic principles; the predicted and observed fate of chemicals in various components of the biosphere. Hazard evaluation; fate and effects of chemicals in soil, plants, wildlife, aquatic organisms, and humans. Introduction to environmental toxicology.

Note: Undergraduates admitted to the following graduate-level courses by consent of instructor.

655 Insect Systematics
(1st sem, even yrs) 4 cr

With lab. Insect diversity and its history. Topics include principles of systematics and the evolution and ecology of insect diversification. In lab, students learn to recognize families of insects and to conduct phylogenetic analyses. An insect collection and an independent phylogenetic research project required.

657 Insect Structures and Function
(2nd sem even yrs) 5 cr

Growth, development, and function of insects. Topics include the integument, endocrine control of growth, development, metamorphosis and reproduction, polymorphism, diapause, circadian rhythms, biological clock, photoperiodism, nutrition, respiration, circulation, excretion, and function of neuromuscular system. Prerequisites: ENT 526, BIOCHM 420 and 421.

683 Insect Ecology (2nd sem odd yrs) 4 cr

With lab. Major concepts of population and community ecology; emphasis on insects. Topics include methods for estimating density and mortality, population regulation, host-parasite models, competitive exclusion, species diversity, and insect plant interactions.

697Q Evolutionary Genetics

With lab. Introduction to the core concepts of evolutionary theory. The processes of genetic drift, mutation, natural selection, and gene flow examined for their effects on genetic variability and the potential for evolutionary change. Single genes and polygenic traits considered, as well as the utility of various molecular genetic markers in making inferences about evolutionary processes. Relationships between mathematical models and biological processes. Students work together to develop computer simulations of evolutionary processes, culminating in independent projects. Prerequisites: BIOL 283 or equivalent, STATIS 501 or 516 or equivalent; or consent of instructor.

Entomology | Courses | Faculty