Course description

In this course, we will trace the major events in insect evolution, from the colonization of land, the origins of flight, and the evolution of metamorphosis. Throughout these lectures you will be introduced to the insect orders. We will investigate insect internal and external anatomy in order to identify the basic design features of insects. Then we will trace the basic life history features of insects, including mating behavior, development from egg to adult, and how insects perceive the world around them (sensory systems). We will examine the intimate relationship between Insects and Plants, as well as Social insects. In the last part of the semester, we will explore how insects have affected humans, both beneficially and detrimentally. We will discuss insects as food (they are an important source of protein in many societies) as well as the important products that insects produce, such as wax, honey, and certain dyes. We will also investigate insect vectors of disease and insect invaders (killer bees, etc.).

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the basic biology of insects, their diversity, unique anatomy/physiology, behavior, complex societies, chemical defenses and environmental adaptations
2. Recognize several ways in which insects have influenced Human History, how they still influence daily life at the level of the individual and in society, and how important they are for our planet’s ecology.
3. Understand some of the basic tools used in entomological research and gain an appreciation for where our current understanding of Entomology comes from
4. Demonstrate self-directed learning in Biology by identifying and utilizing credible resources available to the educated layperson
5. Effectively communicate biological principles and issues in both written and oral forms

Lecture PowerPoint presentations

Assessment

The following are designed to test and ensure consistent progress on all five of the stated learning goals.

Attendance policy

In accordance with New York State law, students who miss class due to their religious beliefs shall be excused from class or examinations on that day. Such students must notify their course instructors before any anticipated absence so that proper arrangements may be made to make up any missed work or examination without penalty.

Any student who misses class due to a verifiable family or individual health emergency or to a required appearance in a court of law shall be excused. The student or a family member/legal guardian may report the absence to the Office of Student Affairs and Campus Life, which will notify the student's dean's office, as well as residential life if the student lives on campus. The dean's office will disseminate the information to the appropriate faculty. Follow-up by the student with his or her professors is imperative. Students may need to consider a leave of absence, medical leave of absence, selected course withdrawals, etc., if they have missed a significant portion of classwork.

A student may be excused for participation in College-authorized cocurricular and extracurricular activities such as athletic events, musical and theatrical performances, and professional conferences.

Academic honesty

All work that you submit must be your own. Please familiarize yourself with the definition of plagiarism.

Academic dishonesty can lead to a zero grade on that assignment, a failing grade in the course, academic code probation, or suspension/expulsion from the college depending on the gravity of the violation and the decision of the judicial board.

In a collaborative project, all students in a group may be held responsible for academic misconduct if they engage in plagiarism or are aware of plagiarism by others in their group and fail to report it. Students who participate in a collaborative project in which plagiarism has occurred will not be held accountable if they were not knowledgeable of the plagiarism.

Course evaluations

Student input is highly valued and is important to maintain high quality instruction. Course evaluations are mandatory and must be completed by the indicated date (TBA). An incomplete will appear on your transcript if it is not submitted by that time. The evaluation will be submitted by the department Assistant. She will verify that you have submitted the form. Once that has been checked, your identification will be removed and will not be printed with the comments.

Students with disabilities

In compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided to students with documented disabilities on a case by case basis. Students must register with the Office of Academic Support Services (607-274-1005, TDD 607-274-7319, acssd@ithaca.edu) and schedule an appointment with their instructors as soon as possible to discuss their needs.

Extra help and Support

Ithaca College provides a Counseling Center to support the academic success of students. The Counseling center provides cost-free services to help you manage personal challenges that threaten your well-being. The Health Center is also a resource on campus for students who experience a personal struggle.

Tentative schedule (may be subject to change)