Insects, Science, and Society

Catalog description

Introduces nonmajors to fundamental concepts of biology by using insects as examples. Students will gain an appreciation of how insects have shaped human culture and history for thousands of years and how the scientific understanding of insect behavior, physiology, evolution, and ecology is applied to solve real world problems. Contemporary issues, ranging from mosquito-born diseases, genetically modified crops and insecticide resistance, to killer bees, the silk industry and insects in forensic investigations will be used to focus discussions and improve scientific literacy.