ENT - Entomology

An introduction to the biology, diversity, ecology, and behaviour of arthropods with a focus on insects and their roles in human society. Students will examine the importance of insects in processes that impact humans such as nutrient cycling, forensics, pollination, herbivory and disease transmission. Students will differentiate the beneficial and detrimental roles of insects in agricultural and forest ecosystems, and use the principles of integrated pest management. Insect conservation and the importance of insects in human culture will also be discussed. This course will be delivered entirely on-line.

An introduction to the evolution, diversity, phylogeny, life styles, distribution, and classification of hexapods and practical experience in their identification. Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or SCI 100.

An introduction to insects and related arthropods emphasizing aspects of their structure, life history and ecology responsible for their importance as pest or beneficial organisms in managed landscapes. Principles of integrated pest management of insects of importance to Albertan and North American agricultural, horticultural and forested ecosystems will be discussed. Students will gain practical experience in identification of pest and beneficial insects. Prerequisite: Biology 108 or SCI 100. Credit may be obtained for only one of ENT 207, 222 or 380.

Evolution, distribution, and classification of terrestrial arthropods, with emphasis on hexapods. Students practice identification using museum collections, keys and databases, and make a substantive collection of regional insects. Prerequisite: Any one of ENT 220, 222, or REN R 205, or ZOOL 250. Credit can only be obtained for one of ENT 327, 427 or 527. Offered in alternate years.

An introduction to the diseases of insects and related arthropods. The use of insect pathogens to reduce pest damage in forestry and agriculture. Roles of diseases in insect population dynamics, Biotechnology and insect pathogens. Prerequisite: 3 units in Entomology or Microbiology. Not open to first-year students.

An account of the influence of arthropods on the health of humans and domestic animals, and the interactions between arthropod vectors and vertebrate pathogens. Prerequisite: ZOOL 250 or any Entomology course. Offered in alternate years.

Survey, discussion and analysis of current literature in selected areas of arthropod biology of interest to advanced undergraduates. Prerequisite: ZOOL 250 or an ENT course or consent of instructor. Credit may be obtained more than once. Offered in alternate years.

Survey, discussion and analysis of current literature in selected areas of arthropod biology of interest to graduate students in Biological Sciences. Discussions are the same as for ENT 401, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Credit may be obtained more than once. Offered in alternate years.

Evolution, distribution, and classification of terrestrial arthropods, with emphasis on hexapods. Students practice identification using museum collections, build keys and databases, and make a substantive collection of regional insects. Lectures and labs are the same as for ENT 327, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Credit can only be obtained for one of ENT 327, 427 or 527. Offered in alternate years.

A forum for those with an interest in insects. Presentations may be provided by students, faculty, invited speakers and visiting scientists. Credit may be obtained more than once.

Presentations may be provided by students, faculty, invited speakers and visiting scientists. Each student enrolled for credit gives one seminar for evaluation. Questions and discussion follow; participation also requires written evaluations of each seminar by peers and one or more Faculty members.