BIOL 117 This Course Will Bug You

(Junior and senior biology majors cannot take a second BIOL 110-129 course without permission from the Department.) This course is designed to introduce the student to insects as a unique life form. The student should gain an appreciation for the diversity of form and function that exists in the insect world. We will develop an understanding of insects as organisms within the ecology of the earth, investigating how insects live, studying their life cycles and understanding how insects and humans interact. Insects will be used as models to explore the fundamental biological concepts of evolution, anatomy, physiology, genetics, behavior and ecology. Special topics will include: insects as vectors of disease, forensic entomology, invasive species and controlling insect pests. All students will be required to prepare an insect collection.