College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Entomology

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Loke T. Kok, Head
Professors: J. R. Bloomquist; R. D. Fell; D. A. Herbert, Jr.; L. T. Kok; D.E. Mullins; D. G. Pfeiffer; P. B. Schultz; P. J. Semtner; J. R. Voshell, Jr.; R. R. Youngman
Associate Professors: E. E. Lewis; S. L. Paulson; S. M. Salom; M. J. Weaver
Assistant Professors: J.C. Bergh; C.C. Brewster; T. P. Kuhar; D.M. Miller

Overview

  • Entomology is both a basic and an applied science which deals with the study of insects and their effects upon the health, economy, and welfare of humankind.
  • The department offers graduate programs leading to the M.S. (thesis or non-thesis) and Ph.D. (see Graduate Catalog). The departmental teaching, research, and extension programs are closely coordinated with those of other departments.
  • Insects are important as agricultural, health, and aesthetic pests and as beneficial organisms which serve as pollinators, biocontrol agents for pest populations, and as components of natural ecosystems. While entomologists have only scratched the surface in the study of insects and related arthropods, their research has yielded great benefits to humankind. Examples include reductions in human diseases transmitted by insects and the leadership shown by entomologists in the development of integrated pest management principles and procedures.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (ENT)

2004: INSECTS AND HUMAN SOCIETY
An appreciation of the past, present and future role of insects with human society. Includes how to identify common insects and other arthropods, the effects of insects on human history; diseases transmitted by insects and their worldwide impact; insects and their influence on our language, literature, and the arts; management of pests of plants, animals, and its effects on environmental pollution; and practical information of how to recognize and manage important insects and arthropods, such as termites in houses and fleas on animals. (3H,3C) I,II,III,IV.

2254: BEES AND BEEKEEPING
An introduction to honey bee biology, the social organization of the honey bee colony and to modern apiculture, including the use of bees for pollination. Topics on beekeeping include equipment, how to get started, and colony management practices. (2H,2C) II.

2264: BEES AND BEEKEEPING LABORATORY
A laboratory course which examines the principles and practices of modern apiculture as they relate to honey bee biology. An emphasis is placed on students gaining practical field experience in modern management techniques. Co: 2254. (3L,1C) II.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3014 (BIOL 3014): INSECT BIOLOGY
Insect biology provides an introduction to the science of entomology. The course covers the diversity of insects, their biology and behavior, the importance of insects and insect control programs in agriculture, and the effects that insects have had on human history and culture. Laboratory (3024)is optional. Pre: (BIOL 1005, BIOL 1006) or (BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106). (2H,2C) I.

3024 (BIOL 3024): INSECT BIOLOGY LABORATORY
Taxonomy and ecology of insects commonly encountered. Identification of all orders and many common families. Ecological attributes of each tax on, including food, habit, life cycle, and behavior. An insect collection is required. Pre: (BIOL 1005, BIOL 1006) or (BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106). Co: 3014. (3L,1C) I.

3254 (BIOL 3254): MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
Illustrations and examples of: human and animal infectious diseases transmitted by insects, ticks and mites; external parasites of animals and man; and annoying and venomous pests of man. Emphasis is placed on practical solutions of real or hypothetical case histories and problems. Designed for students in the animal health, pre-medicine, pre-veterinary medicine, and parasitology curricula. Pre: (BIOL 1005, BIOL 1006) or (BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106). (2H,3L,3C) II.

4254: INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT
Principles of insect pest management with application to the major insect pests found in Virginia. Pest management involves the utilization of all effective control practices in a program which is ecologically and economically efficient. This course is intended for all students with an interest in efficient agricultural production and in reducing losses to our most diverse competitor. One year of General Biology required. (2H,3L,3C) II.

4264 (PPWS 4264): PESTICIDE USAGE
An interdisciplinary study of pesticides used in urban and agricultural environments. Topics studied will include: classification, toxicology, formulation, application techniques, safety, legal considerations, environmental impact, and research and development of new pesticides. Pre: CHEM 2515 or CHEM 2536. (2H,3L,3C) II.

4354: AQUATIC ENTOMOLOGY
Biology and taxonomy of insects and other macro invertebrates most commonly encountered in freshwater environments. Selected aspects of biology, such as habitat, feeding, locomotion, and life history. Identification of individual taxa, mostly at family and genus level. Significance of these organism in aquatic ecology, pollution monitoring, and natural resource management. Pre: (BIOL 1005, BIOL 1006), (BIOL 1015, BIOL 1016) or (BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106, BIOL 1115, BIOL 1116). (3H,3L,4C)

4484 (BIOL 4484) (FIW 4484): FRESHWATER BIOMONITORING
Concepts and practices of using macro invertebrates and fish to monitor the environmental health of freshwater ecosystems. Effects of different types of pollution and environmental stress on assemblages of organisms and underlying ecological principles. Role of biological studies in environmental regulation. Study design, field and laboratory methods, data analysis and interpretation, verbal and written presentation of results. Pre: (BIOL 2804), (BIOL 4004 or BIOL 4354 or ENT 4354 or FIW 4424 or FIW 4614). (3H,3L,4C)

4524 (FOR 4524) (PPWS 4524): PEST AND STRESS MANAGEMENT OF TREES
Ecology of biotic and abiotic influences on forest and landscape tree health. Emphasis will be placed on developing a theoretical and practical understanding for managing pests and stresses of trees in both the forest and landscape setting. Insects and diseases of trees will be reviewed. Pre: FOR3324 or PPWS 3104 or FOR 3354. (2H,3L,3C) II.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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