INSECT MORPHOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY- ENT 503

Course Description
North Carolina State University at Raleigh


  I.  Course Objective

     The objectives of ENT 503 are to acquaint students with the internal morphology,
histology, and ultrastructure of insects as they relate to the principles of function.  The
discussion begins with the anatomy of the insect head and will progress through the
semester to discussions of the thorax and abdomen.  At each step of the way, the
diversity of intra-segmental form will be related to a common hypothetical ground plan
for the Arthropoda.  Topics that will be discussed include head segmentation, formation
of the biting mandible, the pleuron and flight, the origin of the male and female
reproductive system, and the origin of the insect brain.

     Gross internal anatomy, histology, and ultrastructure during the semester will also be
related to general principles of animal function and to the physiology of insects.  Basic
physiological principles that will be studied include the properties of biological fluids,
enzyme action, nutrition, bioenergetics, movement, biological rythmicity,
osmoregulation, acclimation and others.  The study of insect physiology and
biochemistry will be a system-by-system approach.

     The purpose of the laboratory is two fold.  Part I will introduce students to the gross
structure and histology of insect systems and the diversity that exists within the Insecta. 
In Part II, students will be introduced to basic laboratory instrumentation and techniques
and will gain hands-on experience as these are applied to specific physiological
questions.  Students will learn techniques in spectroscopy, chromatography,
electrophoresis, organic chemistry, immunochemistry, radiotracer methodology, and
molecular biology.  

 II. Text

     Chapman, R. F.  1982. The Insects: Structure and Function (3rd
          Edition).  Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass.  919 pp.


III. Laboratory Supplies Needed

     Microdissection scissors or similar; 2 pairs of needle-point forceps; insect pins;
     and a lab coat (optional).

IV.  Grading

     A.   Lecture 70%

               1)   2 Exams (25% each) -- Weeks #6 and #12
               2)   Final Exam (non-comprehensive) -- 20% -- Week  #17 or 18

      B.  Laboratory 30%

          1)   Practical Laboratory Exam/Insect Morphology and Histology (15%)
               -- Week #8
          
          2)   Laboratory Reports (15%) -- Week #'s 7-15

V.   Grading Scale

     90-100%  A
     80-89%   B
     70-79%   C
     60-69%   D

---

ENT 503 SYLLABUS