BIMEA1-Introduction to Insect Identification

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: g.j.holloway@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To introduce students to the use of keys and insect identification. For students who have already some experience in this area, it will provide them with continuity of teaching and learning in a variety of insect groups. For students who have had little training in this area, the module will help them to identify all insect orders and enhance their ability to use identification keys down to family in some orders. All students will develop their taxonomy skills and learn to appreciate the fine detail that is required for accurate identification. This module aims to be accessible to students from a wide variety of undergraduate degree backgrounds and to provide them with the grounding in the subject that might be required for their career development.

Aims:

To introduce students to the use of keys and insect identification. For students who have already some experience in this area, it will provide them with continuity of teaching and learning in a variety of insect groups. For students who have had little training in this area, the module will help them to identify all insect orders and enhance their ability to use identification keys down to family in some orders. All students will develop their taxonomy skills and learn to appreciate the fine detail that is required for accurate identification. This module aims to be accessible to students from a wide variety of undergraduate degree backgrounds and to provide them with the grounding in the subject that might be required for their career development.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Taxonomic knowledge of insect orders.


•  Ability to use keys to identify insects in certain orders down to family

Additional outcomes:

• Students will develop an appreciation of the need to recognize detail for identification purposes that cuts across taxonomic groups.


• Students will improve their organisational skills and attention to detail in both identifying organisms and in reporting names correctly.

Specialist knowledge of some families of Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera.

Outline content:

To introduce students to the use of keys and insect identification. For students who have already some experience in this area, it will provide them with continuity of teaching and learning in a variety of insect groups. For students who have had little training in this area, the module will help them to identify all insect orders and enhance their ability to use identification keys down to family in some orders. All students will develop their taxonomy skills and learn to appreciate the fine detail that is required for accurate identification. This module aims to be accessible to students from a wide variety of undergraduate degree backgrounds and to provide them with the grounding in the subject that might be required for their career development.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is entirely laboratory based. There are a few lectures introducing students to certain groups of insects but the majority of time will be concerned with practical insect identification. The session on Lepidoptera will use visual guides as keys are generally not used for identification in this group. Otherwise, keys will be used for Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera. Most sessions will end with a summative test covering material learnt during the day. The module will cu lminate in a test covering all insect groups addressed and the techniques used for identification.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Identification of insect specimens

• Correct use of identification keys. Tests submitted on day of test.


• Spots tests to assess general identification skills developed during the module. Also submitted on day of test

Relative percentage of coursework: 100% 

Formative assessment methods:

Staffs are working with student in lab throughout the module providing feedback.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resit spots exam during resit period

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020