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Announcements

August 26, 2009

By now, if you are on schedule, you should have nearly finished Modules #1 and #2.  If not, buckle down and catch up.  The real work starts in Module #3, so leave yourself enough time to completely assimilate all the information in the Taxonomy and Systematics reading assignments.

For those of you attending labs on campus, we will focus on Insect Orders this week.  Bring only the following items to lab this week:
1.  your copy of "How to Know the Insects" by Bland & Jaques
2.  the pinned insects you have mounted so far (in your black pinning box)
3.  the cork observation block

For those of you NOT attending labs on campus, this is the week for Lab #2.  Be sure to print off the list of spot ID characters and view the narrated slide show that illustrates how to recognize each order.  The orders covered in this slide show are the only ones you will be expected to identify on a lab practical.

Homework #1 (It's Greek to Me), Worksheet #1 (Orientation), and Discussion Topic #1 (Personal Introduction) and are due by midnight Aug. 28.
Homework #2 (Fear No Weevil), Worksheet #2 (Importance), and Discussion Topic #2 (Insect Extinction) are due by midnight Sept. 2.  All of these assignments are in the Moodle workspace.

Quiz #1 is coming up on Sept. 8.  You will be tested on the following:
1.  Common names and scientific names for each order of insects
2.  Phylogenetic relationships -- who's related to whom in the tree of life
3.  Distinctive physical characteristics of each order
4.  Ecological role of each order (herbivore, predator, scavenger, etc.)
5.  Economic importance (if any) to humans of each order
All this information can be found in the "Compendium" of insects.  It is also summarized on the last two pages of the topic outline (PDF) for Module #3.

 

August 21, 2009

I hope you managed to survive the first (half) week of classes.

If you missed lecture on Thursday, please view the audio powerpoint for Module #1.  This should get you up to speed on course requirements.

If you still need to pick up a set of collecting equipment, I will be in the lab (4302 Gardner Hall) on Tuesday, August 25 from 4 to 7 pm.  If that time doesn't suit you, contact the TA, Shelley Rogers, to arrange an alternate time.  You can do the lab "on your own" by following the Meadow Field Trip instructions.

Begin earning homework points by posting a "Personal Introduction" (3 pts) in the first discussion forum, submitting the first homework assignment called "It's Greek to Me" (5 pts) and completing the Orientation Worksheet (5 pts).  All of these assignments can be found in the Moodle workspace -- click on "Course Materials" and then "Login to Moodle".  All of these should be completed by August 28 to qualify for homework points.

 

August 18, 2009

My petition to postpone the start of fall semester has been denied!

The first class meeting for Ent 425 is on Thursday morning, August 20, at 10:15 am in 113 Harrellson Hall (that big round building south of the library).  Labs WILL MEET the first week on Thursday and Friday afternoons.  If you are in section 001 and have not registered for one of the labs, please do so ASAP.

The schedule for Fall, 2009 has been posted.  Look around the website if you have some free time and get familiar with the resources that will be available to you.

Our first lab will include a short field trip to a weedy field.  Please come dressed appropriately.  I would recommend long pants and shoes (not flip-flops).  The management is not responsible for cases of poison ivy or scratches from thorns....

Students taking the course by distance education (DE) may begin working on Module 1, but please don't start submitting homework or post to a discussion forum until Aug. 20.  DE students should contact me by phone (919-515-1659) during the first week for a short conference and to arrange for pick up or delivery of your collecting equipment.

See you soon!!

 

March 16, 2009

Pre-registration has begun for the 2009 fall semester.  If you're thinking about signing up for ENT 425, check out the course syllabus and browse through the resource library to find out what you're getting into!

If you do plan to take the course, you may want to consider starting your insect collection this summer.  Two documents that will get you pointed in the right direction are:

  1. a list of collection requirements, and
  2. a few suggestions for mounting and preserving the insects you collect

Don't hesitate to call (919-515-1659) or e-mail (john_meyer@ncsu.edu) if you have any other questions.

All non-degree, lifelong, or continuing education students (i.e. anyone not currently enrolled in a degree program) must first register with the University as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) student.  Registration forms and other information can be found at:   http://www.ncsu.edu/acp/application/