Learning Outcomes for the Entomology Major

Learning Outcomes for the Major in Entomology

1. Attain a solid foundation in insect biology, including general entomology, basic systematics, morphology, physiology, and biodiversity. 

2. Understand evolution and biodiversity generation through macro- and micro-evolutionary processes, including how these processes have formed and diversified insects. 

3. Develop the ability to read and interpret scientific papers in entomology, and critically assess content.

4. Attain skills in written and verbal scientific communication. 

5. Develop the ability to design and perform a scientific study on insects, and to analyze results

6. Develop an understanding of the distributions and abundances of organisms including insects, and their interactions with each other and the environment.  

7.  Learn modern techniques in insect science such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, and/or imaging. 

8. Gain appreciation of insects in society and human affairs, and as model systems in insect biology. 

 

Curriculum Map for Entomology Learning Outcomes

This document illustrates how the required classes for the Entomology Major support its learning outcomes. Please note that many of these topics will be reinforced by additional restricted elective courses taken for the major.  Not all required courses are listed. Non-listed courses support the general B.Sc. degree or provide other training useful for Entomologists. 

1. Attain a solid foundation in insect biology, including general entomology, basic systematics, morphology, physiology, and biodiversity. 

Supporting courses: ENT 100, 100L, 102, and a choice of ENT 107, 109, 110, 116

Justification: 100/100L cover general entomology, including systematic plus internal and external morphology. ENT 102 (Insect Physiology) covers internal morphology.  Both 107 and 109 are insect diversity classes that also cover evolutionary history / phylogeny and external morphology. ENT 116 focuses on the diversity, evolutionary history and external morphology of 16 insect Orders that have aquatic forms, and Ent 110 includes the classification, diversity and morphologies of pest and beneficial insects.

2. Understand evolution and biodiversity generation through macro- and micro-evolutionary processes, including how these processes have formed and diversified insects. 

Supporting courses: BIS 2A-C, BIS 101 (Genetics), EVE 100 (Evolution), ENT 100.

Justification: This set of courses includes courses in introductory biology, genetics and evolution that provide the general concepts and processes (with examples and outcomes), and ENT 100 focuses on insect evolution and diversity. 

3. Develop the ability to read and interpret scientific papers in entomology, and critically assess content.

Supporting course:  ENT 102 (Insect Physiology).

Justification: This course requires reading and critiquing original research papers. 

4. Attain skills in written and verbal scientific communication. 

Supporting courses: ENT 100, 100L, 102; choice of ENT 105, 107, 109, 110, 116.

Justification:  All require written reports on lab projects and the first three also require oral reports.

5. Develop the ability to design and perform a scientific study on insects, and to analyze results

Supporting courses, one of: STA 13, 32, 100 or PLS 120 (applied stats for biology or ag) and one of ENT 107, 109, 110, 116

Justification: The statistics course equips students to perform simple statistical analyses. All of the ENT courses listed require students to perform a scientific study, analyze data, and write up the results. 

6. Develop an understanding of the distributions and abundances of organisms including insects, and their interactions with each other and the environment.  

Supporting courses: One of:  EVE 101, ESP 100, ENT 105, plus one of ENT 107, 109, 110, 116

Justification: The first set of restricted electives provides the basics of ecology, and the second set include a strong focus on insect ecology. Virtually all other courses offered by the department also include some insect ecology.

7.  Learn modern techniques in insect science such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, and/or imaging. 

Supporting courses: ENT 102 

Justification: Insect Physiology, ENT 102, places an emphasis on techniques in molecular biology of insects. 

8. Gain appreciation of insects in society and human affairs, and as model systems in insect biology. 

Supporting courses: ENT 100, ENT 102, choice of ENT 107, 109, 110, 116

Justification: All of the courses listed address the importance of insects in one or more of the following arenas: medical entomology, ecosystem function, culture, science, agriculture and etc. Our curriculum review suggested that all the Entomology courses we offer also support this objective.