BI2EX5-Introduction to Entomology

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Christopher Foster
Email: c.w.foster@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To provide students with an introduction to entomology, suitable for those studying applied ecology (crop pests and conservation) and zoology (structure and function of insects). There will be an emphasis on identifying insects to family level and understanding their lifecycles.

Aims:
To provide students with an introduction to entomology, suitable for those studying applied ecology (crop pests and conservation) and zoology (structure and function of insects). There will be an emphasis on identifying insects to family level and understanding their lifecycles.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be
£ able to describe the morphology, physiology and evolution of insects and be able to relate this to aspects of crop protection and insect conservation
£ able to describe the key features of the major Orders insects in the UK
£ able to identify accurately some insects to Family level using simple keys

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
Week 1: What is an insect? Insect morphology, origins of insects
Week 2: Insect growth and development, life cycles, insect classification
Week 3: Early insects and the Polyneoptera
Week 4: Paraneoptera: Hemiptera
Week 5: Thysanoptera and Lepidoptera
Week 6: Hymenoptera and Diptera
Week 7: Coleoptera
Week 8: Predatory and parasitic insects £ biological control
Week 9: Social insects
Week 10: Practical test

The practical conten t includes
Demonstrations of insects, specimens to identify, simple insect structure, some simple dissections

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be two 40-minute lectures (divided by a short break) each week, followed by laboratory work of about 2 hours. Practicals will reinforce and enhance material presented in the lectures and will consist of demonstrations of specimens, short dissections or investigations on essential aspects of insect morphology (e.g. mouthparts) and the identification of specimens using keys. Students will be expected to take notes and draw aspects of the presented material guided by a series of struct ured questions provided for each practical.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		18
Practicals classes and workshops		19.5
Guided independent study:		62.5
Total hours by term		101
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Class test administered by School	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:
1.5 hrs

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Practical test (open book) on insect identification, week 10, 90 minutes

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August / September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 6 December 2021