Syllabus Paper PresenTations Announcements
Biology 4305/5307.X01 – Applied Entomology Syllabus
Mid Winter 2011 : M-F 8:30-12:30 WSB 101 (Jan 3-19)
Instructor: Dr. Chris M. Ritzi
Office: Warnock Science Building - 216
Phone: 837- 8420
Email: critzi@sulross.edu
Office hours: To Be Arranged
Class Website: http://http://bbsrsu.sulross.edu/ & http://faculty.sulross.edu/critzi/
Text: Thacker, J.R.M. 2002. An Introduction to Arthropod Pest Control. Cambridge University Press. (ISBN 0-521-56787-4). You will be also be responsible for either picking up or making a copy of each day’s materials from Blackboard, as well as supplying supplemental materials. A large part of this course will be presenting outside articles, so be prepared for some library hunting.
Course Description: In this course we will read and discuss a variety of papers and topics that helped to shape the world of applied entomology. The goal for each class is to understand what theory or idea is being presented at the time, and how it is applied in the world around us. It is everyone’s responsibility to read for each class period, and to be prepared to discuss the topics. Since this is a two week class, everyone should be prepared to discuss every day of class. Additionally, each student will be designated as a “moderator” twice each week for their particular paper discussions. Discussions are meant to be insightful and intelligent, although they can also be passionate and from the heart if it is appropriate (ie. something you have strong personal feelings about).
Tests: There will 2 tests over the course of the class, a midterm and a final. Each exam will be worth 100 points.
Grading: You will be assessed 400 points based on exams, presentations, abstracts, participation, and preparedness for each day’s class. Beyond the exams (100 points each), additional points for the class will come about from papers and presentations given over the term. Each oral paper presentation (4 for grads; 2 for undergrads) will be worth 25 points each. Additionally, to ensure that everyone has reading papers beyond those covered in class, short written abstracts (worth 25 points) will be required over 2 additional papers (instructions to follow). The remainder of the grade will be based on participation and preparedness for class discussions. Graduate credit will be assessed based on additional oral presentations on a subject to be chosen during class.
Attendance: Students missing 20% of lectures (3 lectures) shall be dropped from the class with an F per the SRSU catalog. Please notify your instructor BEFORE missing class for authorized activities, death in the family, or illness.
Lecture courtesy: The general rules of classroom etiquette are below.
1) This is a graduate class, so feel free to talk about the material as a group. This doesn’t mean you should talk about other things during the class.
2) No eating, chewing, dipping, etc. (unless it is a brown bag session)
3) Please turn cell phones and pagers to silent while in class. They are disruptive to the entire class, and detract from learning.
Students with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations. If you would like to request such accommodations because of physical, mental, or learning disability, please contact the ADA Coordinator for Program Accessibility at 837-8178, UC 211.
Schedule of Topics ________ Tentative Date
Introduction: Fundamentals of Entomology & Insects Jan 3rd
History Jan 4th
Botanical Pesticides Jan 5th
Synthetic Chemical Pesticides Jan 6th
Paper Discussion and MidTerm Jan 7th
Biological Control Jan 10th
Genetic/Endocrine Control Jan 11th
Cultural Control Jan 12th
IPM Jan 13th
Paper Discussion Jan 14th
Paper Discussions Jan 18th
Final Exam Jan 19th
Topics to Include
Principles and Strategies of Insect Control:
Ecological Principles
Sampling
Yield/Loss Assessment
Control Strategies
Insecticides
Host Plant Resistance
Natural Enemies
Cultural Controls
Interference
Quarantine & legislation
IPM
Pests and Pest Management of selected crops (as time permits)
Cotton
Orchards
Corn
Small grains and Legumes
Vegetables
Ornamentals & Households
Medical-Veterinary
Abstracts of Journal Articles (Oral and Written)
Objectives:
This assignment is given so that the student will complete the following course objectives:
a) Obtain and appreciate the understanding of the scope of applied entomology
and its subdisciplines.
b) Learn the basic entomological terminologies and vocabulary necessary to enter
the entomology literature with confidence.
c) Learn how to use the entomology literature.
Assignments:
Each graduate student will be required to read one journal article in each of the following areas (undergraduates need to pick 2 of the 4):
1. Chemical control 2. Biological Control 3. Cultural control 4. IPM
Procedures:
1. Peruse the entomology journals in the invertebrate collection or at the library.
2. Read the article of your choice looking for the following:
a. What is the investigator trying to prove/demonstrate? Etc.
b. What equipment and/or special techniques were used?
c. What were the basic findings of the research?
d. Was the experimental design appropriate to test the objectives? What flaws in design do you see (How would you do this project differently?)
e. Was the data presentation (tables, figures, etc.) clear and understandable (do they “stand by themselves” as information?)
3. The articles need to be turned in the day before you present them, so that others in
the class have the opportunity to read them as well. That being said, try to be
kind to your fellow students (and professor) and do not pick monographs to read.
4. Orally present the paper to the rest of the class. Conduct the presentation as though
it was your own work (ie. thesis defense behavior and attention to detail) AND be
prepared to discuss the strengths/weaknesses of the work.
Written summaries
In addition to the oral presentations, you will be responsible for turning in 2 additional papers as written summaries. Basically follow the same approach as above, but write out the “presentation”. Follow the following format, turning in one summary at the end of each week of class (Jan 7th and 14th).
Applied Entomology Name:
Author’s name, Date of article
Title of article
Journal name, volume (issue number), pages
1. Area of article
2. Equipment/techniques used – brief description of research methods
3. Basic problem/question investigator attempted to solve
4. Basic conclusions, any special comments on quality of technique, data, style,
etc.
7-Jan Don't forget that the University is closed Monday 17th for MLK Jr. Holiday.
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