BI3PAE1: Practical and Applied Entomology

Module code: BI3PAE1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 3 (Honours)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Chris Foster, email: c.w.foster@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Sofia Gripenberg, email: s.gripenberg@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BI2IZ2 OR TAKE BI2EX5 (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module takes an in-depth look at the most diverse group of terrestrial animals, insects. Taught through a series of research seminars and hands-on workshops, we will consider aspects of how insects interact with their environment and with human society, with a particular focus on applied entomology. Topics may include insect conservation, taxonomy, decomposition, nutrient cycling, pest regulation, pollination, disease vectors, insect pests and forensic entomology. Assessment focuses on developing the practical techniques required to pursue further study in one of these topics.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Appreciate the range of topics which benefit from an entomological perspective 
2. Understand how insects interact with their environment and human society  
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of methods used in entomological studies 
4. Develop a range of practical skills required to study insects  

Module content

Students will participate in a series of seminars given by the module convenors, other academics or postgraduates at the University of Reading working on insects and guest speakers depending on availability. These will cover a broad range of topics relevant to entomology and have a particular focus on skills and the practical techniques used in the projects discussed. Reading will be assigned in advance of each seminar. Topics may include forensics, insects as pests and disease vectors, pollination, pest regulation, nutrient cycling, decomposition, taxonomy, and insect conservation.  

Practical sessions will consider the collection, preparation and maintenance of insect specimens for scientific study, and the management of live insect cultures, especially regarding how these relate to topics covered in the seminars. Practical sessions will take advantage of the entomology laboratory including Reading’s collection of live stored product pests, insect collections in the Cole museum, and may involve opportunities to participate in insect monitoring on Whiteknights campus.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Taught through seminars, which will feature a short presentation(s) and time for discussion, and practical workshops in the laboratory and field (on campus) focused on research skills in entomology.  

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs