Use the Tab and Up, Down arrow keys to select menu items.
The biology of insects and other non-marine arthropods, with emphasis on environmental relationships and management. Note - this course will be offered in even-numbered years.
Insects are the most diverse and successful group of organisms on Earth. Insects exhibit a startling array of life-history strategies, forms and functions, and they affect all aspects of our daily lives. Without insects, ecosystems as we know them would cease to exist. Entomology is not just about naming and classifying species, it is about discovering the evolutionary relationships among organisms, learning how species interact with each other to shape community structure, and applying detailed knowledge of insect biology to practical human problems. The aim of this course is to provide a fundamental grounding in insect biology that is essential for both theoretical and applied ecologists working in terrestrial and freshwater environments. The course will cover the diversity, evolution, systematics, physiology, ecology and behaviour of insects. Lectures will also cover applied aspects of insect biology, including medical, forensic and economic entomology. Insect Biology is particularly important for students pursuing third year courses in ecology, physiology and behaviour.
As a student in this course, I will develop: An understanding of the evolutionary origin of distinct groups of insects, the diversity of insect orders and their unique identifying features assessment: on-line quizzes, laboratories, final exam). An understanding of insect form and function and the adaptions of insects to numerous environmental challenges (assessment: laboratories, practical test). An appreciation of the diverse ecological roles occupied by insects (assessment: on-line quizzes, final exam). Practical skills including insect collection, identification, and preservation (assessment: insect collection). An understanding of Māori names and the importance of several insects to Māori (assessment: in laboratories and insect collection).Transferable skills registerAs a student in this course, I will develop: Skills in taxonomic identification of insect orders. The process of taxonomic classification is fundamental to advancement in biology and ecology, as well as your own understanding of ecosystems. The ability to organise the collection of field data, practical field skills, and the organisation of samples and processing post field collection.
BIOL113
Jonathan Harding
Steve Pawson
Claire Galilee
Library portalCourse Outline
It is compulsory to wear a lab coat and safety glasses in the laboratory.To purchase approved safety glasses, lab or coats go to https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/science/shop/The collection point for purchases is inside the southern entry to the Ernest Rutherford Building, Monday to Friday between the hours 8.30 – 10.00 am and 1.30 – 3.00 pm for the first two weeks of the semester.
Domestic fee $900.00
International fee $4,250.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Biological Sciences .