Fundamentals of Entomology

Units: 3

This course explores the science of entomology by focusing on the basic principles of systematics, morphology, physiology, development, behavior, ecology, and management of insects. Field trips provide opportunities to collect insects and study their adaptations to a wide variety of natural environments.

GEP: Natural Sciences

Offered in Fall Only

Units: 3

An introduction to the fascinating world of insects and how they interact with people. Included is a brief survey of insect history, diversity, structure and function, and behavior. This is followed by examples of beneficial and harmful insects in a variety of human activities including some sampling of the profound impacts insects have had on history, society and culture.

GEP: Interdisciplinary Perspectives

GEP: Natural Sciences

Offered in Fall Spring Summer

Units: 3

This course is an introduction to the many interactions between insects, other arthropods and humans that result in disease, ranging from simple anxiety, phobias, discomfort and pain, to transmission of pathogenic organisms causing sickness and even death. Included will be an understanding of the special physical and chemical adaptations of insects that enable them to cause us harm. The major groups of insects, mites, ticks and related arthropods associated with human suffering and disease as well as an introduction to the diseases transmitted by them will be presented. Finally, the course will present information on how major outbreaks of disease transmitted by the insects have influenced human populations, demographics, warfare, religion, and societal structure throughout recorded history.

GEP: Global Knowledge

GEP: Interdisciplinary Perspectives

GEP: Natural Sciences

Offered in Spring Only

Units: 3

This course provides a broad overview of forensic entomology-a specialized field of entomology employed in medicocriminal investigations. Forensic entomology relies on knowledge of insect ecology, biology, taxonomy, physiology and development to elucidate the circumstances surrounding death. The role of arthropods associated with decomposed human remains is one of several valued disciplines in forensic sciences. Understanding the general principles of forensic entomology and their application will be the focus of this course.

GEP: Natural Sciences

Offered in Fall Only

Units: 3

Fundamentals of morphology, classification, biology, ecology and control of insects attacking trees, with emphasis on silvicultural practices.

GEP: Natural Sciences

Offered in Spring Only

Units: 1 - 6

A learning experience within an academic framework that utilizes facilities and resources which are external to the campus. Contact and arrangements with prospective employers must be initiated by student and approved by a faculty adviser, the prospective employer, the departmental teaching coordinator and the academic dean prior to the experience.

Offered in Fall and Spring

Units: 1 - 6

A learning experience in agriculture and life sciences within an academic framework that utilizes campus facilities and resources. Contact and arrangements with prospective employers must be initiated by student and approved by a faculty adviser, the prospective employer, the departmental teaching coordinator and the academic dean prior to the experience.

Offered in Fall and Spring

Units: 4

Diversity of insect biology and structure with emphasis upon identification of adults; includes speciation, evolutionary relationships, approaches to classification, nomenclature, zoogeography and techniques of collection.

Offered in Fall Only

Units: 3

The objectives are to acquaint students with the internal morphology, histology, and ultra-structure and system functions of insects. The laboratory will assist in recognizing the internal anatomy and associated external structure of insects and provide practical experience in the study of insect function.

Offered in Spring Only

Units: 3

Life history descriptions and identification of aquatic insects. Emphasis on behavioral and physiological adaptations to diverse habitats and the role of insects in aquatic ecosystem function and as indicators of water quality. The course includes 3-4 Saturday collecting trips to a local pond and streams in the mountains, piedmont and coastal plain. Collecting trips are not required, but are strongly encouraged.

Offered in Spring Only

Units: 3

The principles underlying modern methods for protecting food, clothing, shelter and health from insect attack.

Offered in Fall Only

Units: 3

The morphology, taxonomy, biology and control of the arthropod parasites and disease vectors of man and animals. The ecology and behavior of vectors in relation to disease transmission and control.

Offered in Spring Only

YEAR: Offered in Even Years