Applied Entomology

Syllabus      Paper PresenTations       Announcements       

 

Syllabus

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.

 

 

Announcements

 

7-Jan    Don't forget that the University is closed Monday 17th for MLK Jr. Holiday.

 

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