Entomology Curriculum Australia

With funding from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC), a group of Australian entomologists with an education interest collaborated to develop a number of entomology subjects that could be taken online by students at any institution or for professional development. The term given to this collection of subjects was the Entomology Curriculum Australia (ECA). These subjects can be taken as part of a Bachelors Degree or as stand alone subjects. They are weighted as one quarter of a full time student's semester load. The subjects developed under this grant are as follows:

Insect-Plant Interactions (ZOOL328)

University of New England - Semester 2

Contact: Associate Professor Nigel Andrew

Phone: 02 6773 2937

Email: nigel.andrew@une.edu.au

Insect-Plant Interactions will explore how insects interact with their environment, and their successful adaptation to many terrestrial ecosystems. Lectures and readings will explore the influence of evolution, plant traits and environment on insect behaviour, development and diversity. Interactions covered will include herbivory, pollination, predation, parasitism and competition among others. Applied issues to be explored include insect roles in ecosystem services, pest management, conservation and assessing impacts of climate change. Student outcomes will include an advanced understanding of the role insects play in ecosystems, grant writing skills, as well as laboratory and field experience. Off-campus students have to attend the Intensive School. On-campus students will attend practicals throughout the Semester.

Insect Structure, Function and Physiology (BIOL3238)

The University of Queensland - Semester 1

Contact: Associate Professor David Merritt

Phone: 07 3365 3478

Email: d.merritt@uq.edu.au

Insect Structure, Function and Physiology brings together basic anatomy and physiology of insects and relates this to behaviour. The main body systems will be examined sequentially and aspects of biology relevant to currently active or promising research areas will be featured. The course features aspects of anatomy and physiology that are relevant to the status of insects as pests, beneficial organisms and as developmental model organisms. Class discussions of relevant topics are encouraged and assessed. Recorded mini-lectures accompay web-based resources. The assumed background of Insect Structure, Function and Physiology is a familiarity with the main orders of insects and their biological attributes. Completion of a second level introductory entomology course such as BIOL2205 "Insect Science" (UQ) would provide appropriate background.

Study BIOL3238 at UQ

Insect Identification and Taxonomy (BIOL3232 UQ)

The University of Queensland - Summer Semester

Contact: Dr Lyn Cook

Phone: 07 3365 2070

Email: l.cook@uq.edu.au

Insect Identification and Taxonomy addresses the identification and classification of insects, the most species-rich component of terrestrial ecosystems. The course will cover the recognition of insects orders and the identification of specimens to family level using different types of keys and resources. A number of specific topics will be explored including: morphological and biological characteristics of the major insect orders; life histories of selected pest and beneficial species, sociality, sound production methods and functions, feeding mechanisms, adaptations and biology of vertebrate ectoparasites, insects as disease vectors of plants and animals, mimicry and defensive adaptations and parasitism. The practical component will examine collecting techniques, identification of adult insects to family level, identification of immature stages and feeding damage. A requirement of the course is the presentation of a well-curated insect collection and attendance at a compulsory residential course.

Study BIOL3232 at UQ

Entomology Curriculum Australia

Insect-Plant Interactions (ZOOL328)

Insect Structure, Function and Physiology (BIOL3238)

Insect Identification and Taxonomy (BIOL3232 UQ)

Invertebrate Pest Management (PSC 201)