Entomology

Alignment between Courses and Program Learning Objectives

In this alignment document, we show how required elements of our curriculum meet each objective, with a minimum of one course listed in support of each. We note that most of the Entomology courses that are not listed also support several of these objectives, such that the learning outcomes will be reinforced as students take the required number of elective courses. 

• Attain a solid foundation in insect biology, including general entomology, basic systematics, morphology, physiology, and biodiversity. 
• Supporting courses: ENT 100, 100L, 102, and a choice of ENT 107, 109, 110, 116
  
  Justification: 100/100L cover general entomology, including systematic plus internal and external morphology. ENT 102 (Insect Physiology) covers internal morphology.  Both 107 and 109 are insect diversity classes that also cover evolutionary history / phylogeny and external morphology. ENT 116 focuses on the diversity, evolutionary history and external morphology of 16 insect Orders that have aquatic forms, and Ent 110 includes the classification, diversity and morphologies of pest and beneficial insects.
• Understand evolution and biodiversity generation through macro- and micro-evolutionary processes, including how these processes have formed and diversified insects. 
• Supporting courses: BIS 2A-C, BIS 101 (Genetics), EVE 100 (Evolution), ENT 100.
  
  Justification: This set of courses includes courses in introductory biology, genetics and evolution that provide the general concepts and processes (with examples and outcomes), and ENT 100 focuses on insect evolution and diversity. 
• Develop the ability to read and interpret scientific papers in entomology, and critically assess content.
• Supporting course:  ENT 102 (Insect Physiology).
  
  Justification: This course requires reading and critiquing original research papers. 
• Attain skills in written and verbal scientific communication. 
• Supporting courses: ENT 100, 100L, 102; choice of ENT 105, 107, 109, 110, 116.
  
  Justification: All require written reports on lab projects and the first three also require oral reports.
• Develop the ability to design and perform a scientific study on insects, and to analyze results. 
• Supporting courses: One of STA 13, 32, 100 or PLS 120 (applied stats for biology or agriculture) and one of ENT 107, 109, 110, 116
  
  Justification: The statistics course equips students to perform simple statistical analyses. All of the ENT courses listed require students to perform a scientific study, analyze data, and write up the results. 
• Develop an understanding of the distributions and abundances of organisms including insects, and their interactions with each other and the environment.  
• Supporting courses: One of EVE 101, ESP 100, ENT 105, plus one of ENT 107, 109, 110, 116
  
  Justification: The first set of restricted electives provides the basics of ecology, and the second set include a strong focus on insect ecology. Virtually all other courses offered by the department also include some insect ecology.
• Learn modern techniques in insect science such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, and/or imaging. 
• Supporting courses: ENT 102 
  
  Justification: Insect Physiology, ENT 102, places an emphasis on techniques in molecular biology of insects. 
• Gain appreciation of insects in society and human affairs, and as model systems in insect biology. 
• Supporting courses: ENT 100, ENT 102, choice of ENT 107, 109, 110, 116
  
  Justification: All of the courses listed address the importance of insects in one or more of the following arenas: medical entomology, ecosystem function, culture, science, agriculture and etc. Our curriculum review suggested that all the Entomology courses we offer also support this objective.

published: 2020 (March)