ENTOM 2011

Alien Empire: Bizarre Biology of Bugs

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

Insects are the most abundant and diverse animals on earth. This course explores the bizarre biology of insects and their interaction with humans. It examines both the detrimental roles insects play (e.g., pests and vectors of disease) as well as their beneficial roles (e.g., pollination, edible insects, insect products such as waxes, dyes, and silk). The course also explores the symbolic representation of insects in art, literature, and religion. Students taking the course meet for small group discussions, debates, demonstrations, and documentary films on the biology of insects. This course is suitable for non-life sciences majors.

Distribution Requirements (BIO-AG, BSC-AG, OPHLS-AG)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP

Learning Outcomes

• 1.1 know and be able to identify the 32 insect orders. 1.2 understand the basic physiological functions of insects. 1.3 appreciate and understand the diversity of insects (relative to other terrestrial organisms). 1.4 appreciate the ecological role that insects play on earth.
• 2.1 understand the basic principles of evolutionary biology and evolutionary reasoning. 2.2 understand the scientific method and hypothesis testing in the context of biology.
• 3.1 understand the beneficial roles that insects play in human society. 3.2 understand the negative roles that insects play in human society. 3.3 intelligently distinguish real threats that insects pose from those that are based on a misunderstanding of basic insect biology.
• 4.1 evaluate critical issues related to the impact of insects on human society based on independent research. 4.2 communicate effectively in a debate format. 4.3 communicate effectively in written format.

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