BIO 441
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Entomology
Biology
College of Life Sciences
Course Description
External morphology, natural history, evolution, distribution, and phylogeny of insects. Insect collection required.
When Taught
Fall
Min
4
Fixed/Max
4
Fixed
2
Fixed
3
Other Prerequisites
Bio 220 or equivalent.
Title
Application of Basic Principles
Learning Outcome
Students will be able to describe basic principles of insect morphology and their major innovations in the context of insect systematics and apply these principles to insect diversity.
Title
Read, Manipulate, Draw, and Explain Phylogenies
Learning Outcome
Students will be able to outline current hypotheses of insect phylogeny at the ordinal level, synapomorphies that support them, and explain the data for newly proposed hypotheses.
Title
Key-based Identification
Learning Outcome
Using identification keys, students will be able to identify morphological features of both internal and external body structures to successfully “key out” insects at the ordinal and family level.
Title
Visual Identification
Learning Outcome
Students will be able to identify common insect orders and families by memory through visual inspection.
Title
Wonder, Perspective, and Appreciation
Learning Outcome
Students will be able to articulate their perspectives on the beauty, diversity, and complexity of insects and their places in the natural world.
Title
Creation and Diversity
Learning Outcome
Student will also be able to tell the story as to why God may have an inordinate fondness for insects, and how this story relates to their own view of creation.
Title
Functional Relationships
Learning Outcome
Students will be able to apply standard methodologies to collect specimens, record life history traits in specific variable habitats, and contextualize their place as major players in diverse ecosystems around the world.
Title
Collection and Curation
Learning Outcome
Students will create a large, professional curated insect collection drawn from insects they collect, pin, label, and organize.
