BIMEB1-Advanced Entomology

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring 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:

The module will be highly interactive and involve continuous engagement with the lecturers. The module will consist of field trips, invited contributions from specialist entomologists and detailed study of insects in the laboratory.

Aims:

• • Students will learn detailed identification techniques of insect groups integrating with other elements of the programme.


• • Students will learn the various techniques that can be used to stage insects from different taxonomic groups for scientific purposes and analysis.


• • Students will learn how to search for insects in the field during the cooler autumn months


• • Students will learn about the current taxonomic status of a number of insect groups

Assessable learning outcomes:

The production of a specialist insect collection appropriately labeled and laid out for scientific scrutiny. In connection with the collection, students will produce a scientific log of the species contained within the collection containing additional information about each species, for example notes on ecology..

The delivery of a seminar covering the taxonomy and identification details of a specific insect group

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

• • The module will start with a trip the Savernake Forest for autumn insect collecting.


• • Laboratory work to learn how to stage and preserve the material found at Savernake and elsewhere.


• • A trip to Dinton Pastures to see and explore the extensive insect collection held in The Clinton Pelham Building.


• • Further laboratory work when each student c an focus on the identification and preparation of their specialist group. Staging insects will continue through into the Spring term


• • Seminar presentations on the ecology, taxonomy and identification of the chosen insect groups.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Lecturers will be working side-by-side with the students throughout to help with the development of identification and staging skills

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:

Resubmit insect collection and log in September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020