Biology 396: Entomology
- Spring 2008
Kalamazoo College, MI
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| Office:
Dow Science 314 |
| Phone:
x7063 |
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| Office
hours: TBA and by appointment |
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| Lecture:
MWF 11:50AM-1:05 PM, Dow 329
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| Lab:
Thur 12:30-4:00 PM, Dow 319 and field |
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Course texts and reading
- Required: National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to
Insects and Spiders of North America (A.V. Evans, 2007),
Sterling Publishing Inc.
- To reduce course costs, there is no designated lecture text.
Instead, relevant material will be placed on reserve in the
library (electronic or hard copy)
- Copies of How to Know the Insects, 3rd edition (Bland
and Jaques, 1978) will be available for use in the laboratory
to key out insects
Course Description
A comprehensive introduction to the biology and classification
of insects. Topics covered include insect structure, function,
development, behavior, principles of control, identification,
systematics and evolution. Laboratories include field trips to
local sites to observe and collect insects, and to view ongoing
basic and applied research projects by local entomologists. Students
will gain experience in rearing and handling insects. All are
required to assemble a collection of local insects.
Course Goals
- gain recognition familiarity with the major orders and families
of insects
- learn about collection, preservation, curation and research
methods used in entomology
- expand your knowledge of and appreciation for insects, their
biology and their management
- increase proficiency in reading, interpreting, and critiquing
scientific literature
- enhance skills related to the developing and testing scientific
hypotheses
Course
Evaluation |
Point Value |
| Manduca Rearing Project
|
-- |
| Lecture Tests (3 @ 100 pts each) |
300 |
| Anatomy/Classification ID Quizzes
(3 @ 30 pts each) |
90 |
| Final Lab Practical Exam |
120 |
| Insect Order Research and Presentation
|
80 |
| Plagues and Pests Project |
100 |
| Personal Insect Collection |
250 |
| Class Preparation and Participation |
60 |
| TOTAL |
1000 |
NOTE: You will be awarded only one grade for
this course, according to the evaluation criteria outlined above.
This same grade will appear twice on your academic transcript,
once as the course grade and once as the lab grade. Separate lecture
and lab grades will not be calculated.
Approximate Grading Scale
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A |
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90-100% |
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B |
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80-90% |
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C |
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70-80% |
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D |
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60-70% |
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F |
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below 60% |
Honor System
This course operates under the Kalamazoo College Honor
System, a statement of values and responsibilities central to
our education. Group discussion of material is encouraged (except
during a test or exam), but written work is to be completed individually
unless otherwise noted, with proper citation of all sources of
ideas or other information that is not your own. You are responsible
for learning how to cite appropriately works other than your own.
In this course, referenced work should be cited according to the
Department
of Biology Handbook for Juniors and Seniors (relevant sections
available online from the Biology Department web site).
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