Course Modules
The course is divided into ten lesson modules. Each module has a list of reading assignments, a homework project, a worksheet, a discussion topic, and (except for Module #1) a laboratory activity. Items with asterisks (*) are required. Note that homeworks, worksheets, and discussions are marked with asterisks, but are still subject to the homework policy listed in the syllabus.
For dates to guide you through the modules during the semester, see the schedule for learning modules.
Module 1 - Orientation
- View Audio Slide Show *
- Read “Syllabus” *
- Read “Collection Instructions” *
- Post to Discussion Board - Personal Introduction *
- Submit Homework #1 - It’s Greek To Me *
- Complete Worksheet #1 - Orientation *
- Check Out Collecting Equipment *
- Arrange for Test proctor, if necessary
Module 2 - Importance of Insects
- View Audio Slide Show *
- View Learning Objectives
- Print Topical Outline (PDF)
- Read “A Class of Distinction” *
- Read “Impact of Insects” *
- Read “Cultural Entomology” *
- Read “Reasons for Success” *
- Post to Discussion Board - Close Encounters *
- Submit Homework #2 – Fear No Weevil *
- Complete Worksheet #2 - Importance of Insects *
- Lab #1 – Meadow Field Trip *
Module 3 - Systematics and Taxonomy
- View Audio Slide Show *
- View Learning Objectives
- Print Topical Outline (PDF)
- Read “Evolution and Diversity” *
- Read “Class Insecta” *
- Submit Homework #3 – Common Names *
- Complete Worksheet #3 - Taxonomy & Systematics *
- Lab #2 – Insect Orders *
- Review for Quiz #1: covers Lessons 2 & 3 *
Module 4 – External Anatomy
- View Audio Slide Show *
- View Learning Objectives
- Print Topical Outline (PDF)
- Read “The Exoskeleton” *
- Read “The Insect’s Head” and “Antennae” *
- Read “The Thorax”, “Legs”, “Wings”, and “The Abdomen” *
- Lab #3 – External Anatomy *
- Submit Homework #4 – External Cross-Sections*
- Complete Worksheet #4 - External Anatomy *
Module 5 – Growth & Development
- View Audio Slide Show *
- View Learning Objectives
- Print Topical Outline (PDF)
- Read “Egg Structure” *
- Read “Embryogenesis” *
- Read “Morphogenesis” *
- Submit Homework #5 – Transformers *
- Complete Worksheet #5 - Growth & Development *
- Post to Discussion Board – Adults and Immatures *
- Lab #4 – Forest Field Trip *
- Review for Quiz #2 : covers Lessons 4 & 5 *
Module 6 – Internal Anatomy & Physiology
- View Audio Slide Show *
- View Learning Objectives
- Print Topical Outline (PDF)
- Read “The Endocrine System” *
- Read “Hormonal Control of Molting and Metamorphosis ” *
- Read “Circulatory System” *
- Read “Respiratory System” *
- Read “Respiration in Aquatic Insects” *
- Read “Digestive and Excretory Systems” *
- Read “Insect Nutrition” *
- Read “Reproductive System” *
- Submit Homework #6 – Internal Cross-Sections *
- Complete Worksheet #6 - Internal Anatomy *
- Lab #5 – Internal Anatomy *
- Review for Exam I: covers Modules 2-6 *
Module 7 – Insect Behavior
- View Audio Slide Show *
- View Learning Objectives
- Print Topical Outline (PDF)
- Read “The Nervous System” *
- Read “Insect Senses” *
- Read “Color Vision” *
- Post to Discussion Board – Communication *
- Read “Elements of Behavior” *
- Read “Periodic Behavior” *
- Submit Homework #7 – Monarch Migration *
- Complete Worksheet #7 - Insect Behavior *
- Read “Communication” *
- Read “Social Insects ” *
- Lab #6 – Aquatic Field Trip *
- Lab #7 – Farm Field Trip *
- Review for Lab Practical I: covers Spot ID to Order, External Anatomy, and Internal Anatomy *
Module 8 – Insect Ecology
- View Audio Slide Show *
- View Learning Objectives
- Print Topical Outline (PDF)
- Read “Trophic Levels” *
- Read “Survival Strategies” *
- Read “Insect Defenses” *
- Read “Population Dynamics” *
- Read “Life Tables” *
- Read “Physiological Time” *
- Submit Homework #8 – Grasshoppers on Steroids *
- Complete Worksheet #8 - Insect Ecology *
- Submit Ecology – Practice Problems *
- Lab #8 – Immatures *
- Review for Quiz 3: covers Module 7 *
Module 9 – Insects as Pests
- View Audio Slide Show *
- View Learning Objectives
- Print Topical Outline (PDF)
- Read “Insects as Pests” *
- Read “Pest Management” *
- Submit Homework #9 – Letter to the Editor *
- Complete Worksheet #9 - Insects as Pests *
- Post to Discussion Board – Bed Bug Ethics *
- Lab #9 – Hemimetabola *
- Review for Exam II: covers Modules 7-8 *
Module 10 – Control Tactics
- View Audio Slide Show *
- View Learning Objectives
- Print Topical Outline (PDF)
- Read “Pest Control Tactics” *
- Read “Regulatory Entomology” *
- Read “Toxicity” *
- Read “Labels and Rates” *
- Read “Managing Resistance” *
- Submit Homework #10 – Crossword Puzzle *
- Complete Worksheet #10 - Pest Control *
- Post to Discussion Board – Homeowner's Dilemma *
- Lab #10 – Holometabola *
- Review for Quiz 4: covers Modules 9 and 10 *
- Review for Lab Practical II -- Spot ID -- Orders and Families *
