Entomology
Head: T. J. Kring
Professors: J.C. Bergh, C. C. Brewster, T. J. Kring, T. P. Kuhar,
D. M. Miller, D. G. Pfeiffer, S. M. Salom, P. B. Schultz, and M. J. Weaver
Associate Professors: J. A. Auguste, M. J. Couvillon, A. D. Gross, P. Marek, M. V. Sharakhov, and S. V. Taylor
Research Assistant Professor: R. Schurchz,br>
Apiculturist: J. M. Wilson
Web: www.ento.vt.edu
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 MSLFS (thesis or non-thesis) and PhD (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, biological control 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)
1084: CAREERS IN ENTOMOLOGY
A comprehensive introduction of post-baccalaureate
professional opportunities requiring knowledge of
entomology including agricultural, medical and public
health; forest and natural ecosystems; education and
outreach; engineering and material science; biodiversity
and evolution of arthropods.
(1H,1C)
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) or (BIOL 1205H, BIOL 1206H).
(2H,2C)
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 taxon, including food,
habitat, life cycle, and behavior. An insect collection is
required.
I
Pre: (BIOL 1005, BIOL 1006) or (BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106) or (BIOL 1205H, BIOL 1206H).
Co: 3014.
(1H,3L,2C)
3254 (BIOL 3254): MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
An introduction to the roles of insects and other arthropods
in the direct causation of disease in humans and animals,
and as vectors in the transmission of disease organisms.
The epidemiology and replication cycles of vector-borne
pathogens with major medical and veterinary importance
will be examined. Information will be provided on the
biology and behavior of disease vectors and external
parasites, and on the annoying and venomous pests of
humans and animals. Mechanisms of control will be discussed.
Pre: (BIOL 1005, BIOL 1006) or (BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106) or (BIOL 1205H, BIOL 1206H).
(3H,3C)
3264 (BIOL 3264): MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY LABORATORY
Taxonomy and anatomy of insects and arthropods of medical
and veterinary importance. Examination of feeding behavior
and ecology. Emphasis on the mechanism of injury or
pathogen transmission by each group.
Pre: (BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106) or (BIOL 1005, BIOL 1006) or (BIOL 1205H, BIOL 1206H).
Co: 3254.
(3L,1C)
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 (BIOL 4354): AQUATIC ENTOMOLOGY
Biology and taxonomy of insects and other
macroinvertebrates 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 macroinvertebrates 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)
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.