Insects and Humans

Catalog description

As the most abundant and diverse animals on the planet, insects are of major economic, ecological, medical, and cultural importance to humans. Through lectures, shared readings, class discussion, and a group research project, this course explores the complex nature of insects and their many interactions with humans in four parts. Part I provides an overview of the fundamentals of entomology, including insect taxonomy, diversity, systematics, physiology, and ecology. In Part II, the course examines the beneficial roles of insects in human society, including as pollinators and biological control agents. Part III explores the negative aspects of insects, especially in their roles as pests and vectors of disease. Lastly, in Part IV the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is introduced. Students then work in teams to devise an IPM plan for an economically important invasive insect species found in North America. 3 hours lecture per week The pre-requisite of BIO 122 or 124 is required.