Undergraduate Course Descriptions

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• Entomology 1 Art, Science and the World of Insects (ENT 1 Home Page)
• Entomology 2 Biodiversity
• Entomology 10 Natural History of Insects (ENT 10 Home Page)
• Entomology 100 General Entomology (Ent 100 Home Page)
• Entomology 100L General Entomology Laboratory(Ent 100 Home Page)
• Entomology 101 Functional Insect Morphology
• Entomology 102 Insect Physiology (Ent 102 Home Page)
• Entomology 103 Systematic Entomology (Ent 103 Home Page)
• Entomology 104 Insect Behavioral Ecology (Ent 104 Home Page)
• Entomology 107 California Insect Diversity
• Entomology 109 Field Taxonomy and Ecology
• Entomology 110 Arthropod Pest Management
• Entomology 116 Biology of Aquatic Insects
• Entomology 117 Longevity (Ent 117 Home Page)
• Entomology 119 Apiculture (Ent 119 Home Page
• Entomology 123 Plant Virus Vector Interaction
• Entomology 135 Introduction to Biological Control (ENT 135 Home Page)
• Entomology 153 Medical Entomology 
• Entomology 156 Biology of Parasitism (ENT 156 Home Page)
• Entomology 158 Forensic Entomology (ENT 158 Home Page)

 

ENTOMOLOGY 1 - General Entomology

Entomology 1 Home Page
(3 units)
Quarter: Fall

Course Goals:

The goal of this course is to use a fusion between entomology and art to create an appreciation of insect biology, ecology, and their interactions with, and importance to, human culture. We will demonstrate how multidisciplinary approaches can be used to enhance science education and potential careers in art and science will be highlighted. The lecture will provide a technical basis for the projects that will be enacted during the laboratories. The laboratories will provide basic, beginning skills in the option topic (ceramics, drawing, textiles), but will mostly be devoted to use of the medium to demonstrate some aspect of insect biology, ecology or interactions with humans that particularly interests the students. Possible topics could include the relationships between insects and their plant or animal hosts, the impact of insects on humans, insects in design, insects in culture, art or religion. Laboratory groups may also choose to work as a team to illustrate the adaptations of insects to particular environments. Some of the art work produced would result in permanent pieces that could be displayed in the Department of Entomology or at other locations on campus. The visibility of these works in the arena of public art also provides students the challenge and experience of conveying scientific information to the public.

Texts Used:

• Megabugs (Optional). Readings will be assigned from a reserve list.

Entry Level:

This course will be geared to entering freshman, although students at any level may take the class.

Course Format:

• Two 1-hour lectures per week.
• One 3-hour lab per week.

Subject Outline:

Lectures

1. History of the interactions between art, science and insects.
2. Benefits of insects to humans (i.e. pollination, fiber, as detrivores, in natural control of other insects).
3. Insect body plan and development
4. Insect feed behavior.
5. Insect sensory systems.
6. Insect mating and reproduction.
7. Insect migration and dispersal.
8. Insect defense.
9. Insect taxonomy and biodiversity.
10. Insects and the art of natural history.
11. Insects in textiles, sculpture and jewelry.
12. Insects and the making of modern films.
13. Insects in human culture, i.e. insects as a source of food.
14. Where art and entomology meet: potential careers.
15. The role of art in science education.

Laboratory

1. Introduction to basic techniques (appropriate to each option); what materials are used, examples of work by experts, processes required to reach a final product. How to plan a project and make a mock-up.
2. Introduction to basic techniques with hands-on activities for students to complete. Discussion of how to present a mock-up. Student work on mock-ups for their projects.
3. Students' presentations of mock-up for course project with critiques by fellow students and instructors.
4. Weeks 4-9 will involve students working on their projects with instructor assistance. One hour of each laboratory will be used to demonstrate a particular technique and show finished examples. If laboratories decide to work on group projects, the group will put the final project together in week 9.
5. Student presentation of projects with a synopsis of the concept in entomology that has been illustrated.

Instructor:
D. Ullman

 

ENTOMOLOGY 2 - Biodiversity

(3 units)
Quarter: Fall

Course Goals:

To introduce the nature, scope and geographical distribution of biodiversity (the diversity of life) with emphasis on plants and animals (especially the diverse insects). To review the role of humans in domestication, aesthetics, ethics, valuation, extinction and conservation. To explain the science behind biodiversity through understanding biodiversity measurement, species richness estimation, monitoring, evaluation and conservation. To review biodiversity through time. To introduce selected biomes - global, continental and Californian, allowing expanded general knowledge of the big picture on biodiversity issues.

Texts Used:

Gaston, K.J. and Spicer, J.I. (2004) Biodiversity: An Introduction. 2nd edition. Blackwell Science, Oxford. 191 pp. Entry Level:

The course is geared for entering freshmen. No special knowledge is required but a background in high school general biology would be helpful.

Course Format:

• Two 1-hour lectures per week.
• One 1-hour discussion per week.

Discussion - individual and group prepared discussion of selected topics in biodiversity

Instructors:
Penny Gullan
Peter Cranston

 

ENTOMOLOGY 10 - Natural History of Insects

Entomology 10 Home Page
(3 units)
Quarter: Winter

Course Goals:

Entomology 10 is designed as a course for non-entomology majors and is intended to provide insight into various aspects of insect life. The role of these organisms in the environment, their relationships with humans, and their fascinating biologies and habits are considered.

Text Used:

• Gullan, P.J. & P.S. Cranston. The Insects: An Outline of Entomology. 2nd edition, Blackwell Science; 2000. (Required)

Entry Level:

No special knowledge required; a course in general biology would be helpful but not essential.

Course Format:

• The course is presented as three 1-hour lectures per week. The lectures are supplemented with appropriate 35 mm color slides and videos. A brief (5 minute) question and answer period is provided during each lecture, and students are encouraged to ask questions about the material being covered. 
• No specific assignments, i.e., term papers, projects, etc. are required. 
• Two midterms and a final exam are given. Examinations are short answer and short essay.

Subject Outline:

1. Introduction: insect natural history; insect diversity 
2. Exopterygota: classification and morphology 
3. Endopterygota: classification and morphology 
4. Insect Physiology: major life systems 
5. Insect Physiology: metamorphosis 
6. Insect Physiology: reproduction 
7. What insects do: phytophages 
8. What insects do: predators, parasitoids 
9. What insects do: parasites, scavengers 
10. Insects and humans: medical entomology 
11. Anthropod-borne diseases in California 
12. Insects and plants: vectors 
13. Insects and plants: plant defenses 
14. Insects and plants: pollination 
15. Insect behavior: sociality 
16. Insect behavior: communication 
17. Insect behavior: behavioral ecology 
18. Ants 
19. Population dynamics 
20. Insects and humans: pests of agriculture 
21. Insects and humans: chemical control 
22. Insects and humans: beneficial insects 
23. Insects and humans: control strategies and tactics 
24. Insects and humans: accidental introduction of exotic insects into California 
25. Pesticides and the environment

Instructors:
H. Kaya
M. Parrella

 

ENTOMOLOGY 100 - General Entomology

Entomology 100 Home Page
(4 units)
Quarter: Spring and Fall

Course Goals:

To introduce students to the breadth and diversity of the science of entomology and an in-depth study of insects including: their diversity of form, function, ecology, and behavior; the basics of systematic entomology, especially phylogeny, classification, evolution, and biogeography; the role of insects in natural systems; their effects on human welfare as studied in the applied disciplines of medical and agricultural entomology; and the methods by which humans attempt to manage insect populations.

Texts Used: (Required)

• Gullan, P.J. and Cranston, P.S. (2005) The Insects: An Outline of Entomology. 3rd edition. Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 505 pp.

Entry Level:

Biological Sciences 1B or equivalent is required. Students should be familiar with basic principles and terminology of zoology such as found in any general zoology text.

Course Format:

• Three 1-hour lectures per week.
• Exams: 2 midterms and a final.
• 10-page term paper.

Subject Outline:

1. Introduction: importance of insects
2. Insect anatomy
3. Physiology, including reproduction and development
4. Systematics: phylogeny and classification
5. Evolution and biogeography
6. Behavior, natural selection and ecology
7. Pest management
8. Medical and forensic entomology

Instructor:
Spring: P.S. Cranston and P.J. Gullan
Fall: L.S. Kimsey

 

ENTOMOLOGY 100L - General Entomology Laboratory

(2 units)
Quarter: offered every year in Fall quarter

Course Goals:

Anatomy, development, population ecology, methods of collecting, classificvationa nd identification of insects of all orders and of major families.

Entry Level:

ENT 100 (may be taken concurrently or in Spring quarter)

Instructor:
L.S. Kimsey

 

ENTOMOLOGY 101 - Functional Insect Morphology

Entomology 101 Home Page
(3 units)
Quarter: Winter

Course Goals:

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic external and internal structures, organs, tissues and cells of insects by which insects maintain themselves and adapt to the environment. The evolutionary, comparative and functional aspects of insect morphology will be introduced. Anatomy and dissection at the light microscope level will be the basic skill taught in the laboratory; however information on methods for studying history and structures of tissues and cells will also be discussed.

Text Used:

• Romoser, W.S. & Stoffolano, J.G.. The Science of Entomology. W.C. Brown Publishers, 1994. (Required)

Entry Level:

Biological Sciences 1A or 1B.

Course Format:

This course consists of two 1-hour lectures coordinated with one 1-hour and one 2-hour laboratory per week. Grades will be based on one midterm examination, one lab midterm examination, one final lab examination and one final examination.

Subject Outline:

Lectures
1. Integument 
2. Segmentation and the Division of the Body 
3. Head as a Mechanism 
4. Digestive System 
5. Simple and Complex Thorax 
6. Evolution of Wings and Flight 
7. Insect legs and Their Adaptations 
8. Abdomen-External Genitalia 
9. Reproductive System 
10. Embryology 
11. Respiratory System 
12. Circulatory System 
13. Nervous System 
14. Sensory Organs 
15. Exocrine System 
16. Endocrine System

Laboratories
1. Segmentation 
2. Head, Mandibulate Mouthparts 
3. Head, Suctorial Mouthparts 
4. Digestive System 
5. Thorax 
6. Wings and Flight Muscles 
7. Leg Structures and Muscles 
8. Extermal Genitalia 
9. Reproductive System 
10. Embryology 
11. Respiratory System 
12. Circulatory System 
13. Nervous System 
14. Sensory System 
15. Exocrine System 
16. Endocrine System

Instructor:
C.Y.S. Peng

 

ENTOMOLOGY 102 - Insect Physiology

Entomology 102 Home Page
(4 units)
Quarter: Spring

Course Goals:

• To understand the process by which insects maintain themselves, reproduce and adapt to the environment. 
• To present insects as models for basic research. 
• To examine the methodology of physiological/biochemical research and critically evaluate experimental results. 
• To discuss and evaluate potential insect control techniques based on knowledge of physiological/biochemical systems.

Text Used:

None. Assigned readings of review articles and research papers.

Entry Level:

The equivalent of Entomology 100 or an introductory Invertebrate Zoology course, such as BIS 1B.

Course Format:

Three lectures and a discussion period per week. Lectures will focus on selected organ systems with emphasis on their roles in the functioning of the whole animal and the animal's responses to environmental variables. Discussions will critically evaluate our understanding of physiological and metabolic systems, identify the kinds of additional information and experiments needed and elucidate how this information might be used to develop new insect control technologies.

Grades will be based on two mid-terms and a final examination, some of which will be oral, plus the student's participation in discussion sessions.

Subject Outline:

1. Maintenance of the internal environment: acquisition of energy and nutrients, digestion and assimilation of food, excretion and ionic and water regulation, mechanics and physiology of flight, endocrine regulation of metabolism. 
2. Molting and Metamorphosis: endocrine regulation of growth and development; the integument and role of hormones in controlling its biochemistry and structure. 
3. Reproduction: endocrine regulation of egg production. 
4. Physiological and metabolic responses to changes in the external environment: sensory nervous system, flight, host plant selection, pheromones, diapause, xenobiotics and detoxicative metabolism, and environmental physiology.

The above topics are integrated to develop an understanding of the insect as mosaic of mechanical, physical, chemical, metabolic, physiological and behavioral processes that jointly serve to meet the constraints of the environment.

Instructors:
The Staff

 

ENTOMOLOGY 103 - Systematic Entomology

Entomology 103 Home Page
(3 units)
Quarter: Spring (Even-numbered years only)

Course Goals:

To acquaint students with the principles and methods of systematics, with particular reference to insects. Attention will be paid to recent ideas concerning insect classification and identification, methods of phylogeny reconstruction and applications of insect phylogenies. A discussion period will be used to highlight selected topics and to give an appreciation of the conflict between principles and practice.

Text Used:

Selected readings will be assigned.

Entry Level:

Students should have a basic knowledge of evolution and biological diversity such as would be obtained in Biological Sciences1B.

Course Format:

Two lectures and one discussion period per week. A term paper (based on a presentation) is required. A discussion period assignment, two midterms, and a final exam are given. The approximate values used in grading are: mid-terms 10% and 20%; assignment 10%; term paper + presentation 30%; final exam 30%.

Subject Outline:

1. Introduction to insect systematics
2. Species concepts and theory
3. Naming and identification
4. Characters and classification
5. Phylogenetic analysis
6. Applications of phylogenies (e.g. in biogeography and coevolution)
7. Insect systematics in biodiversity and conservation

Instructors:
P. S. Cranston
P.J. Gullan

 

ENTOMOLOGY 104

Instructor:
Ed Lewis

Lectures:
MWF 11-11:50, 100 Hunt Hall

ENTOMOLOGY 107 - California Insect Diversity
(5 units)
Quarter: Spring (Odd-numbered years only)

Course Goals:

To provide field and laboratory experience in collection, identification, classification and natural history of insects. To develop the ability to identify most of the common families of insects of North America using dichotomous keys. To demonstrate the tremendous diversity of taxa, form and natural history among insects. To collect and compare insect faunas from selected ecological habitats in California from the Coastal Strand to mid elevation Sierra.

Texts Used:

• Borror, Triplehorn, Johnson. An Introduction to the Study of Insects. Saunders College Publishing, 6th edition, 1989. (Required)
• Borror and White. A Field Guide to the Insects. Peterson Field Guide Series No. 19. Houghton Mifflin Co. (Recommended)

Entry Level:

An introductory course in entomology or familiarity with the higher classification and basic terminology of external structure of insects.

Course Format:

• One 1-hour lecture per week emphasizing natural history and adaptations of insects to their environments. 
• Two 3-hour labs per week emphasizing identification, classification, and curation of insects collected on field trips, and including local field trips for comparison of seasonal changes. 
• Five all-day Saturday field trips emphasizing insect collecting, microhabitat associations, diversity within and between localities, and behavioral observations. 
• Grading: 
• Collection based on field trips 
• One term paper analyzing collections 
• Lecture final (essay) 
• Lab quizzes (5) 
• Lab final

Subject Outline:

Lectures
Natural History (Orders/Phylogeny) of:
1. Apterygota 
2. Paleoptera 
3. Orthopteroidea 
4. Hemipteroidea 
5. Panorpoidea 
• Lepidoptera 
• Diptera
6. Neuropteroidea 
• Coleoptera 
• Hymenoptera

Laboratories
Identification of:
1. Apterygota 
2. Paleoptera 
3. Orthopteroidea 
4. Hemipteroidea 
5. Panorpoidea 
• Lepidoptera 
• Diptera
6. Neuropteroidea 
• Coleoptera 
• Hymenoptera

Field Trips
Collections at:
1. Jepson Prairie Reserve 
2. Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve 
3. Hopland Field Station 
4. Sierra Foothill Field Station 
5. Bodega Reserve 
6. Blodgett Forest

Instructor:
L. S. Kimsey

 

ENTOMOLOGY 109 - Field Taxonomy and Ecology
(7 units)
Quarter: Extra-session summer (Even-numbered years only)

Course Goals:

To study insect diversity and biology in the field, with the aim of acquainting the student with about 200 families of insects which inhabit the life zones of the Sierra Nevada and adjacent Great Basin desert. Students learn insect collection, identification, and curation techniques. In addition, each student conducts a small field project on some aspect of insect ecology, behavior, or natural history.

Entry Level:

Prerequisite: Entomology 100 (or equivalent), or consent of the instructor.

Course Format:

Laboratory and field work Monday through Saturday, about 12 hours/day for five weeks. Course is based at a field station in the Sierra Nevada. Lectures are informal. The insect collection is submitted near the end of the course, and graded according to diversity, mounting technique, and accuracy of identification. A written report on the field project constitutes about 30% of the course grade.

Subject Outline:

• Sight recognition of insects to family level in the field 
• Use of keys to family level in the laboratory 
• Collection, preparation, and curation of specimens 
• An ecological study over a 5-week period.

Instructor:
P. S. Ward

 

ENTOMOLOGY 110 - Arthropod Pest Management

Entomology 110 Home Page
(5 units)
Quarter: Winter

Course Goals:

This course develops the ecological basis for the integrated pest management (IPM) paradigm. We will explore damage, loss and the economic injury level concept. The ecological and practical nature of the most commonly used control tactics (chemical, biocontrol, host plant resistance, ecological controls, etc.) will be explored. An effort will be made to understand the controversies in this field and evaluate arguments from several perspectives. Emphasis is placed on the agricultural pest management arenas. The laboratory prepares students to identify arthropods which cause problems in agricultural and urban environments and those which are beneficial. An understanding of the biologies of these arthropods is emphasized so that control tactics can be put into better perspective.

Entry Level:

Biological Sciences 1B.

Text Used:

• Pedigo, L. P., Entomology and Pest Management, 3rd edition. (Required)

Lecture Subject Outline:

1. Arthropod evolution and biology 
2. Philosophy of applied science 
3. Agricultural ecology 
4. Economic injury and sampling 
5. Pest management strategies 
6. Pest management tactics 
1. Chemicals 
2. Biocontrol 
3. Ecological methods 
4. Host plant resistance

Lab Subject Outline:

1. Classification and natural history of pest and beneficial arthropod 
2. Insecticides 
3. Biocontrol 
4. Host plant resistance 
5. Sampling

Grading:

Lectures: (three 50-minute lectures per week)

Homework essays- 15% 

Midterm exam- 20% 

Laboratory(two 3-hour labs per week)

Quizzes- 10% 

Exam- 15% 

Reports- 10% 

Final Examination- 30%

Explanation of Potential Course Overlap:
Entomology 100 is an overview of all of entomology and includes an overview of pest management, whereas Entomology 110 is an in-depth consideration of pest management. Entomology 153 covers applied aspects of insects of medical importance, whereas entomology 100 emphasizes the management primarily of agricultural pests, not medical pests. Entomology 135 is a specialized course in biocontrol and uses Entomology 110 as a prerequisite.

Instructors:
J. Granett

 

ENTOMOLOGY 116 - Biology of Aquatic Insects
(3-5 units)
Quarter: Spring

Course Goals:

Acquaint students with the kinds of insects that occur in various fresh water aquatic habitats; to become aware of the morphological and physiological adaptations and habits that have allowed insects to occupy these niches; and establish their role in the aquatic food chain.

Familiarize students with the different types of aquatic sampling devices for invertebrate populations and some of the methods of measurement of selected physical parameters.

Text Used:

• Merrit, R.W. and Cummins, K.W. An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America. Kendall/Hunt; 3rd edition, 1995. (Required)

Entry Level:

Upper division standing. An introductory course in entomology is strongly advised, but is not mandatory. A course in ecology will also be quite helpful.

Course Format:

1. Three unit minimum for students that have an introductory course in Entomology with a laboratory. 
1. Two 1-hour lectures and one 3 hour laboratory each week plus two optional Saturday laboratories consisting of two all-day field trips. 
2. One midterm and a comprehensive final will be given. Two laboratory reports will be graded.
2. An optional two-unit laboratory may be taken for making a collection of 40 aquatic insect families, 30 of which must be identified to genus level. Grading will be based on completion of requirements and accuracy.

Subject Outline:

A short introduction of the properties of lakes, ponds, and streams will be followed by a systematic coverage of the following orders of insects with aquatic representatives: Collembola, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Plecoptera, Hemiptera, Megaloptera, Neuroptera, Lepidoptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera. Representative life histories will be studied in detail. Behavior in and adaptations to the aquatic environment in relation to respiration, locomotion, and food acquisition are taken up. Economic relationships to fish culture, agriculture, and medical importance are considered.

Instructor:
S. Lawler

 

ENTOMOLOGY 117 - Longevity

Entomology 117 Home Page
(4 units)
Quarter: Fall

Course Goals:

The broad objective is to introduce students to concepts underlying the nature, origin, determinants, and limits of longevity. Emphasis will be at the whole-organism level of organization with particular reference to humans but with special emphasis on the use of insects and other non-human species as models. The course has three specific goals: (1) to introduce students to demographic methods of analysis with particular emphasis on longevity, survival and mortality; (2) to present a conceptual framework for addressing issues concerning the natural history, ecology, and evolution of longevity and their relevance to society; and (3) to learn to write critically, logically, and clearly about topics of contemporary interest in the demography and biology of aging.

Reading:

Entomology 117 Syllabus

Entry Level:

This is an Introductory General Education Course in Science and Engineering. 
Entomology 117 is cross-listed with HDE 117.

Course Format:

1. Three hours of lectures. The instructor's own syllabus will be required.
2. Grading will be based on homework (20%), one midterm (25%), a final exam (30%), and a 2,500 word term paper (25%).

Subject Outline:
 

1. Introduction
     1.1 Biology of the finitude - aging, longevity and death
     1.2. Demography of aging: overview

2. Biodemographic Perspectives of Aging
     2.1. Theories of aging and their demographic implications
     2.2. Life tables: basic concepts and techniques
     2.3. The force of mortality and the Gompertz model
     2.4. Biodemography of animal models: yeast, nematodes, fruit flies, and rodents
     2.5. Reproductive determinism and costs of reproduction
     2.6. Evolutionary perspectives on aging, sex, and the origin of death

3. Biodemography of Longevity
     3.1. Basic concepts: life span, life endurancy, life expectancy
     3.2. Overview of animal life spans; population biology of the elderly
     3.3. Genetics of longevity; correlation of longevity in twins and family members
     3.4. The gender gap and sex mortality differentials
     3.5. Social and biological determinants of longevity
     3.6. Evolution of human longevity - palodemography and anthropoids
     3.7. Recent trends in humans longevity; myths of human life spans

4. Biodemography of Death
     4.1. Elimination of cause of death
     4.2. Genetic engineering: implications of organ replacement
     4.3. Life span extension: postponing aging and death
     4.4. Compression of morbidity and successful aging

5. Aging Societies
     5.1. U.S. and World
     5.2. Future of aging science
     5.3. Economic, social and medical consequences of long-lived societies

Potential Course Overlap:

BIS 15 (Biology of Aging) - emphasis in this course offered by Dr. Roger McDonald (Nutrition) is on biological basis of aging process. In contrast, the emphasis in Entomology 117 is on the whole-organisms level.
HDE 100C (Adulthood and Aging); HDE 143 (Field Studies of the Elderly); HDE 160 (Social Aspects of Aging) - emphasis is exclusively on social and developmental aspect of human aging.

Instructor:
James R. Carey

 

ENTOMOLOGY 119 - Apiculture
(3 units)
Quarter: Spring

Course Goals:

• to introduce the honey bee as a social animal and a model for integrating biological principles and concepts, 
• to demonstrate the use and significance of honey bees in biological research and teaching, and in the agricultural industry, 
• to explore the impact of honey bees on the environment and in our society, 
• to introduce the chemical and physical characteristics of hive products and their uses, and 
• to improve expository writing skills.

Entry Level:

This is a Nature and Environment General Education course. Biological Sciences 10 is desirable, but not required.

Course Format:

Three lectures each week. Readings in syllabus and text to complement lectures. Grading is based on two midterms, a final exam, and expository writing skills. If time permits, there may be a field trip to UCD Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility.

Subject Outline: (sequence subject to change, particularly guest lecture dates): 

1. Introduction to course and organization 
2. Honey bees of the world 
3. Life history and nest structure 
4. History of Beekeeping 
5. The honey bees- structure and function 
6. Relatives of the honey bee 
7. Intra-colony activities of worker bees- division of labor and comb construction 
8. Intra-colony activities of worker bees- brood rearing and storage of food 
9. Extra-colony activities- orientation and foraging 
10. First midterm exam 
11. The drone bees- biology and behavior 
12. The queen bees- biology and behavior 
13. Queen rearing- concepts and methods 
14. Nature of communicated information. 
15. Mechanisms of information transfer- the dancing language 
16. Chemical communication- pheremones and sensory system 
17. Second midterm exam 
18. Diseases, parasites, and pests of honey bees 
19. Beekeeping equipment and management of bee colonies for various purposes 
20. Seasonal management of bee colonies 
21. Honey bee genetics and bee breeding 
22. Hive products- honey (chemical and physical properties and utilization) 
23. Hive products- venom, propolis and royal jelly (chemical and physical properties and utilization) 
24. Hive products- beeswax and pollen (chemical and physical properties and utilization) 
25. Pollination- floral biology and adaptations 
26. Pollination- significance to the environment and agriculture 
27. Africanized honey bees- origin, distribution, and potential impacts on our society 
28. Africanized honey bees- biology and behavior 
29. Use of honey bees for recreation, teaching and research

Instructor:
C.Y.S. Peng

 

ENTOMOLOGY 123 - Plant Virus Vector Interaction

Entomology 123 Home Page
(3 units)
Quarter: Fall

Course Goals:

The course introduces an integrated analysis of the interactions necessary for viruses to infect plants. Emphasis will be placed on critical interactions among insect vectors and host plants involved in the plant virus life cycle. The experimental approaches of plant cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, entomology and plant pathology will form the framework of this analysis. Evolutionary processes giving rise to successful interactions between viruses, their insect vectors, and plants will be stressed, as will emerging biotechnological applications to engineer plants for resistance to viral infection. This course fulfills requirements in the Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Applied Plant Biology options of the Plant Biology Major and the Entomology Major.

Text Used:

• Bos, L. Introduction of Plant Virology. 1983. (Required)
• Esau, K. Anatomy of Seed Plants. 2nd edition, 1977. ( Recommended) 

Entry Level:

A general background in basic biology (Biological Sciences 1A and 1C) and genetics (Biological Science 101) are required. An introduction to Entomology (Entomology 100) and Plant Pathology (Plant Pathology 120) is recommended, but not required. Students are encouraged to enroll concurrently in Developmental Plant Anatomy (Plant Biology 105).

Subject Outline:

1. Plant structure and development 
2. Plant virus classification and genome strategy 
3. Introduction to insect morphology, feeding strategies, and modes of virus transmission 
4. Long-didtance movement of viruses in plants 
5. Viral movement proteins and their interactions with plants 
6. Basis for symptom development in virus-infected plants 
7. Fate of the plant virus in insects (non-persistent and persistent/circulative) 
8. Vector movement and plant virus dispersal 
9. Impact of virus infection on vector biology and coevolution 
10. Plant responses to viral infection and insect feeding 
11. Viral recombination and evolution 
12. Novel strategies of resistance

Grading and Course Requirements:

Grades will be determined by the results of two midterm examinations (40%), class participation (10%) and a comprehensive final examination (50%).

Explanation of Potential Course Overlap:
Plant Pathology 120, Introduction to Plant Pathology: A limited topical overlap with respect to plant viruses and their control, but this course presents a brief overview of the interactions among viruses, vectors and plants. There will be considerable differences in the depth in which topics are discussed in Entomology 123.
Plant Biology 105, Developmental Plant Anatomy: A limited topical overlap with respect to plant anatomy, but this course focuses on developmental and anatomical aspects of plants with no treatment of viral plant infection. There will be considerable differences in the topics are discussed in Entomology 123.
Entomology 100, General Entomology: A limited topical overlap with respect to insects as agricultural pests and their control, but this course presents limited coverage of viruses, vectors and plants. There will be considerable differences in the depth in which topics are discussed in Entomology 123.

Instructors:
William J. Lucas
Robert L. Gilbetson
Diane E. Ullman

 

ENTOMOLOGY 135- Introduction to Biological Control

Entomology 135 Home Page
(4 units)
Quarter: Spring (Even numbered years only)

Course Goals:

To introduce students to the principles of modern biological control of arthropod pests and weeds. The biology of the major groups of biological-control agents will be discussed, with emphasis on attributes of effective natural enemies. Application of ecological theory in both classical and augmentative biological control will be emphasized. Examples will focus on California agriculture whenever possible, and will include the integration of biological control with other suitable tactics for management of pests.

Entry Level:

Entomology 100 or 110; or consent of the instructors.

Course Format:

• Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory per week. 
• Mid-term, laboratory final, and course final examinations will be given.

Subject Outline:

1. Introduction to Biological Control 
2. Biology of Bacterial Pathogens 
3. Biology of Fungal Pathogens 
4. Biology of Protozoan Pathogens 
5. Biology of Entomogenous Nematodes 
6. Biology of Viral Pathogens 
7. Biology of Insect Parasitoids 
8. Biology of Arthropod Predators 
9. Ecological Basis of Biological Control 
10. Classical Biological Control (Insects) 
11. Classical Biological Control (Weeds) 
12. Conservation and Augmentation 
13. Case Histories in Biological Control 
14. Biological Control in Integrated Pest Management 
15. Biotechnology and Biological Control

Explanation of Potential Course Overlap:
Entomology 110 is an introductory course and covers specific agricultural pests, their identification, biology, and control. Course 135 is primarily conceptual and deals with specific pests only as examples.

Instructors:
L. E. Ehler
H. K. Kaya

 

ENTOMOLOGY 153 - Medical Entomology
(4 units)
Quarter: Spring

Course Goals:

Medical Entomology is "people entomology" involving the direct interactions of humans and animals, in various social systems and levels of development, with insects and related arthropods. This course is taught from a global viewpoint emphasizing ecology and population biology of anthropods, vertebrates, pathogens, and parasites. The detailed entomology of medically important insects and the involvement of other animals are covered as they relate to the Epidemiology of human and animal disease. This course does not emphasize the control or management of pest insects in any detail.

Text Used:

• McCelland, G.A.H. 1992. Medical Entomology: An Ecological Perspective; 12th edition. (Available at UCD Bookstore) 

Entry Level:

The course is a non-introductory General Education Course in Nature and the Environment. The course is aimed at students of wide backgrounds and interests. Biological Sciences 10 or equivalent or any previous course in Entomology is recommended.

Course Format:

• 3 hours/week lecture, 1 hour/week demonstration-laboratory. 
• Two mid-terms. 
• 3000-word term paper on a subject of timely interest in medical entomology that emphasizes the relevance of the subject matter to the real world. 
• A weekly journal is required. 
• Final exam includes questions of a general nature requiring an overview of the entire course. 
• Evaluation: This paper is intended as a review and synthesis of the very most recent information on timely subjects in the arena of medical zoology and infectious disease. Each student will select a topic from the list below, so do a Melvyl-Medline computer literature search of publications pertinent to this topic, and write a synthetic review. The focus is on publications since 1988, do not cite or use the literature before that year. The paper shall consist of your written review with references to citations in the text, and a list of references cited together with a copy of your literature search printout and Xerox copies of the publications you cite. This paper should be as long as is necessary to cover the subject, in general approximately 5 pages. Non listed relevant subjects of interest may be reviewed but must be discussed with either the instructor or the teaching assistant first. 

Subject Outline:

1. Hanatavirus: an emerging zoonosis. 
2. Salivary pharmacology and anti coagulants??! 
3. Malaria vaccine. 
4. Mechanism of transmission of Leshmania. 
5. Chagas disease in the United States 
6. Mechanisms of infection of arthropod borne disease. 
7. Leshmaniasis in the United States. 
8. Plague in Asia. 
9. Olfaction in Glossina and trapping methods of control. 
10. Ehrlichia: an emerging zoonosis. 
11. Diagnosis of Lyme disease. 
12. Adaptation of disease agent to host-vector interface. 
13. Brown recluse spider bite. 
14. Insect transmission of HIV. 
15. Vertebrate cellular and humeral defenses against arthropods 
16. Co-evolution of mosquito borne viruses and their vectors. 
17. Arthropod nutritional biology as it relates to the transmission of disease. 
18. Entomophobia. 
19. Dillusionary parasitosis. 
20. Multiple blood meals per gonotrophic cycle and virus transmission. 
21. Perodomestic flea control in California. 
22. Localized vs. regional control of Malaria. 
23. Arthropod cellular and immune response to parasites. 
24. Human sensitivity to kissing bug saliva. 
25. Tick paralysis. 
26. Psychology of delusionary disease: why do certain people need to have a disease. 
27. Vaccines against vector arthropods. 
28. The lxodes damularis-Spielman  vs.  scapularis-Olive controversy.

Instructor:
T. W. Scott

 

ENTOMOLOGY 156 - Biology of Parasitism

Entomology 156 Home Page
(3 units)
Quarter: Spring

Course Goals:

This course will provide the student with an overview of the extensive exploitation of the parasitic life style. It will discuss parasitisms and host-parasite relationships as they have evolved and as they have been influenced by geographic, nutritional, historical, behavioral, and biochemical aspects. The course will also discuss, where applicable, future parasitic problems given our present conditions of control programs, population movements and growth, and parasitic adaptation.

Text Used:

• Entomology 156 syllabus. (Required) 
• Schmidt, G.D. & L.S. Roberts. Foundations of Parasitology. W.C. Brown; 5th edition, 1996. (Recommended) 

Entry Level:

Lower and upper division students will be accepted. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 1 or consent of the instructor.

Course Format:

• Three (3) one-hour lectures per week will be given. 
• Two 1-hour examinations will be given at midpoints in the course, and one 2-hour examination will be given at the end of the course.

Each of the lecture topics may be complemented by laboratory sessions (Entomology 156L offered concurrently) in which demonstrations of fresh and fixed material pertinent to the topic under discussion is presented.

Instructors:
R.B. Kimsey (In charge)
B. B. Westerdahl
J.H. Theis

 

ENTOMOLOGY 156L - Biology of Parasitism (Laboratory)
(1 unit)
Quarter: Spring

Course Goals:

This course is intended to augment the goals outlined in Entomology 156 with laboratory sessions demonstrating parasitism and host-parasite relationships. Each of the major lecture topics in Entomology 156 will be complemented with a laboratory demonstration utilizing fresh and fixed material pertinent to the specific topic under discussion.

Entry Level:

Lower and upper division students will be accepted. Must be taken concurrently with Entomology 156.

Course Format:

• One 3-hour laboratory session per week will be offered. 
• A one-hour laboratory practical examination and a laboratory notebook or project will be used to evaluate student performance.

Instructors:
R.B. Kimsey (In charge)
B. B. Westerdahl
J.H. Theis

 

ENTOMOLOGY 158 - Forensic Entomology
(3 units)
Quarter: Spring

Course Goals:

Forensic entomology is a developing applied field in which arthropods and their developmental cycles are used as evidence in matters of criminal prosecution or civil litigation. This course is designed to develop in students an ability to reason using various forms of biological data, and to develop most-likely models of past events at legal issue. Included are concepts in biology and entomology that entomologists must frequently use in a line of reasoning presented as an opinion or testimony. Emphasis is placed on developing original ideas from biological reasoning. 

Readings:

Several texts are currently being written on this subject and there are two current available. One textbook will be selected from the two available and will be required for the course.

Entry Level:

Open to juniors and seniors that have taken either Bio Sci 1b or Ent 100. The graphic nature of the material presented in this course together with laboratory field trips to the Sacramento Coroners Office (optional) and collection of successional data from decomposing pigs mandates a more mature student audience.

Grading:

1. Two hours of lecture plus 4 hours laboratory per week.
2. Final grade will be based on 1 midterm exam (20%), a final exam (20%), a five page (1500 words) term paper 
(20%), 2 laboratory quizzes (20%), and participation in experiments (20%).

Course Outline:

1. Introduction

Structure of the course, course outline, course requirements, grading, introduction of instructors, TA's and special guests. Introduction to scope of forensic Entomology, topical nature of the course and recent evolution of this are of Entomology. Warning about the graphic and explicit nature of the course including death, murder, rape- respect for the beliefs of others.

2. Evidence, Facts, Truth, Opinion and Experts: What's What

Discussion of what constitute fact, truth, evidence and proof in law, together with an introduction to the 1975 Federal Rules of Evidence and how the activities of the forensic entomologist relate to these rules. Scientific experts themselves, the facts they derive and their opinions are all considered to be evidence. Particular emphasis on what constitutes evidence.

3. Law: Civil vs. Criminal and Forensic Entomology

Comparison and contrast these two very different forms of action in court, how they are defined, what their potential outcomes are and how forensic entomology fits in, deportment of the expert witness, testimony.

4. Forensic Entomology in Civil Litigation

Stored product pest, urban, economic, agricultural and medical entomology in civil matters such as product liability, spider bite and various forms of infestation.

5. Forensic Entomology In Criminal Human Abuse and Death

Uses of entomology in investigation of the causes of human death, the duration of the post-mortem interval (PMI), what has occurred in the PMI, some specific case studies illustrating each of these, and drugs and toxins and insect decomposition.

6. The Decomposition Process

Review of the several schemes for classifying stages of decomposition in human and animal remains and how this may vary geographically and seasonally. Simulation and study of human decomposition processes using various dead animals models, particular dead pigs, including previous studies world wide those conducted in this course together with sampling protocols and methods focused on deriving particular information. Decomposition in the Aquatic Environment.

7. Investigation of Human Death-Gathering Evidence

An applied part of the course that introduces techniques for gathering evidence incases of human death, what to look for, what data to collect, what and how to collect arthropods, how to interpret these data and etc. Collecting equipment, note taking, how to assist and interact with investigators on the scene, strong emphasis on personal safety issues and protocols and related topics are additional topics.

8. Succession

A major thrust of this course. The community ecology of succession of arthropod populations, life history biology and Succession in decomposition in both a local and global perspective.

9. Population Biology

Population Biology is a major part of this course. Life table analysis and population biology in forensic investigations and how these provide evidence of timing of events. Forensic computer models and simulations of population growth of insects as a timing device in investigation are introduced and used from the Entomology Department web site.

10. Science in the Courts
Review of how scientific evidence has been and is viewed and used in the courts. Several major case studies resulting in major changes in how courts perceive scientific evidence will be reviewed, including Daubert vs. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Frye vs. United States, the state of Alabama vs. Perry and others. Testimonies, depositions, expert reports and report writing are also included.
 

Laboratory

Collection, identification, preservation, rearing,, life tables and biology of arthropods common in civil Law and in human decomposition. Students will have the opportunity to participate in laboratory field trips to the Sacramento Coroners Office (optional) where they may apply what they have learned in real murder cases. They will be required to participate in a field project in which we shall trace the species and development of arthropods in murder victims, simulated by dead pigs, held under various conditions.

The structure of the early part of the course is determined by two competing objectives, the need to introduce the students to some basic concepts in Forensics and Law, and to provide the students with the information and skills necessary to do the decomposing pig experiments. The later needs to be set up early in the course so that data can be collected over the longest period possible and so that students will have adequate laboratory time to prepare and analyze the data that they collect daily. These experiments are very time consuming and most productive of data in the first 2 weeks, when enormous numbers of specimens are collected and processed, maggots are collected and reared and etc. As the rate of inflow of data diminishes, the time involvement converts to identifying specimens analyzing and collating data, establishing colonies and the like. These conflicting needs make it difficult to organize and present the course in a logical manner, however, the end product will essentially be the same when the course is over. 
 

Potential Course Overlap

Small portions of this course might overlap with courses in Community Ecology, Quantitative Population Biology, Economic Entomology or law school courses treating evidence. Otherwise, this course is unique and no impact on other courses seems likely.
 

Instructor:
R. B. Kimsey

 

See Graduate Course Descriptions.