200 | 300 | 400 | Graduate Courses

Entomology
http://www.ent.iastate.edu
Joel Coats, Chair of Department
Professors: Baker, Coats, DeWitt, D. Lewis, Obrycki, Rice, Rowley, Tollefson, Wintersteen
Professors (Collaborators): Enan, L. Lewis
University Professors (Emeritus): Pedigo
Professors (Emeritus): Guthrie, Hart, Krafsur,
R. Lewis, Mutchmor, Showers, Stockdale
Associate Professors: Bonning, Courtney, Holscher, Jurenka
Associate Professors (Collaborators): Perich
Assistant Professors: Beetham
Assistant Professors (Collaborators): Cosse, Hellmich
Instructors (Adjunct): VanDyk

Undergraduate Study
For undergraduate curriculum in entomology, see College of Agriculture, Curricula.

The undergraduate curriculum in entomology is designed for persons interested in studying insects, their adaptations, and the practicalities of dealing with them. Students electing entomology as a major will prepare themselves for positions in industry, business, government, education, and public health. Graduates may acquire positions in research, development, and technical sales for agricultural chemical and seed companies. State and federal agencies employ entomologists as consultants, extension directors, mosquito abatement agents, inspectors, and research aides. Entomologists may also find employment with urban or agricultural pest-management or consulting firms, large private farms and ranches, and horticultural nurseries.

All graduates understand the principles of insect structure and function. They understand the evolutionary and ecological relationships of insects with other life forms, and the impact of insects relative to human and animal health, as well as the relationships between insects and humanity’s food, fiber, structural, and aesthetic needs and expectations. Graduates understand the principles and methods available to manage beneficial and pest insect populations. They are skilled in identifying insects and related groups and understand the biology, ecology, behavior, diversity, and evolutionary relationships of the major groups of insects. They understand the application of the scientific method in problem solving and the principles of experimental design and analysis. Graduates are able to communicate research and educational materials properly and competently - orally, visually, and in writing - and are able to work effectively with others.

Graduates of the agricultural and horticultural insect management option are skilled in determining pest levels and impact on plant and animal hosts, and the management of these pests. They understand the environmental, legal, and ethical issues involved in insect population management.

Graduates of the insect biology option have achieved an understanding of the biochemical and physiological processes governing insect metabolism, growth, and form. They understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of insects. They also have a broad background in the biological sciences. Assuming good academic performance, graduates of this option are prepared to enter graduate or professional schools.

Entomology participates in the interdepartmental undergraduate majors in plant health and protection and in integrated pest management.

The department offers a minor in entomology that may be earned by completing 370, 374, 376, and 6 credits in courses selected from an approved list supplied by the department.

A preveterinary program is available in entomology.

Graduate Study
The department offers work for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy with a major in entomology or toxicology. Within the entomology major, the student may concentrate in aquatic entomology, biological control, chemical ecology, genetics, forest entomology, host plant resistance, medical/veterinary entomology, morphology, pathology, pest management, physiology, population ecology/genetics, systematics, or insecticide toxicology.

Graduates have a broad understanding of entomology and related disciplines, and an in-depth command of their area of concentration. They are able to communicate effectively with scientific colleagues and the general public in both formal and informal settings. Graduates are able to address complex problems facing entomology or toxicology professionals, taking into account related ethical, social, legal, economic, and environmental issues. They are skilled in research methods, data analyses, and interpretation of results. They also are skilled in working effectively with their colleagues, and writing concise and persuasive grant proposals. They have an understanding of and can critically evaluate current entomological literature.
Prerequisite to the entomology major and to minor graduate work in the department is completion of at least two years of zoological courses, for part of which credit in other closely allied biological sciences may be substituted. Specific course requirements for advanced degrees depend partly upon previous training and experience in the major field of specialization.

Any student receiving the M.S. in entomology shall have at least one course in insect physiology, one course in insect systematics, two courses of Ent 590 (selected from topics A through D, F through I, M and N, inclusive), and at least 1 credit of Ent 600. Any student receiving the Ph.D. in entomology shall have at least one course in insect physiology, one course in insect systematics, four additional courses of Ent 590 (selected from topics A through D and F through I, L through N inclusive), and at least 1 credit of Ent 600. In addition, Ph.D. students majoring either in Entomology or Toxicology shall have two semesters of teaching experience, taken as Ent 590K both semesters or Ent 590K one semester and Ent 590L the other semester.

Entomology participates in the interdepartmental majors in ecology and evolutionary biology, and genetics, and in the interdepartmental major and minor in toxicology (see Index).

The Federal Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit and the North Central Plant Introduction Station are available for advanced study in certain phases of entomological research.

More information about the department, such as current research, faculty resumes, physical facilities, and graduate students can be viewed on the department’s world-wide web page.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 370, 372, 374, 376, 386, 483, 493.

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students
Ent 110. Technical Lecture. (1-0) Cr. R. F. Orientation to areas of and opportunities in entomology.

Ent 201. Introduction to Insects. (1-0) Cr. 1. F.S.SS. 5 weeks. S. Classroom section spring only. World Wide Web section of course offered all semesters. Obrycki, Van Dyk. Biological and ecological aspects of insects.

Ent 211. Insects and Society. (3-0) Cr. 2. F.S.SS. 11 weeks. S. Classroom section spring only. World Wide Web section offered all semesters. Prereq: 201. Holscher/Obrycki, Van Dyk. The importance of insects in human well-being. Insect-human interactions. Primarily for nonscience and nonagriculture majors.

Ent 212. Livestock Entomology. (3-0) Cr. 1. S. 5 weeks. Prereq: 201. Holscher. Overview of the biology, ecology, and economic importance of the insects that affect livestock production.

Ent 214. Ecologically-based Management of Horticultural Pests. (3-0) Cr. 1. F. 5 weeks. Prereq: 201. Obrycki. Overview of ecologically-based management of pest and beneficial insects in horticultural crops.

Ent 283. Pesticide Applicator Certification. (Same as Agron 283, For 283, Hort 283, Pl HP 283, P M 283.) (2-0) Cr. 2. S. Holscher. Core background and specialty topics in agricultural, forestry, and horticultural pesticide applicator certification. Students select certification categories and are eligible for pesticide applicator certification upon completion of course. Commercial certification emphasized.

Ent 360. Insect Behavior. (Dual-listed with 560.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Biol 202. Baker. The mechanisms underlying the behavior of insects; emphasis on neuroethological and evolutionary bases of insect orientation, reproduction, feeding, oviposition, defense, learning, and sociality.

Ent 370. Insect Biology. (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Biol 109 or 201. Jurenka. Structure, physiology, evolution, behavior, life histories, and recognition of insects. Collection required. Voluntary field trips. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Ent 371I. Introduction to Insect Ecology. (Same as Ia LL 371I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Ent 372. Livestock Entomology. (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2005. ICN and Videotape sections. 12 weeks. Holscher. Recognition, biology, behavior, economic importance, and management of insects and other arthropods affecting livestock and poultry production. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Ent 374. Insects and Our Health. (Same as Biol 374, Micro 374.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 3 credits in biological sciences. Rowley. Identification, biology, and significance of insects and arthropods that attack people and animals, particularly those that are vectors of disease. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Ent 375. Plant Protection Using Natural Enemies. (Dual-listed with 575.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2004. Prereq: 370 or 376. Bonning, Obrycki. Overview of the biology, ecology, and classification of insect pathogens, predators, and parasitoids. Discussion of the use of these organisms in plant protection, including an emphasis on genetic alteration of natural enemies.

Ent 376. Fundamentals of Entomology and Pest Management. (Same as P M 376 and Pl HP 376.) (2-3) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Biol 109 or 201. Tollefson. Introduction to entomology and insect-pest management, including life processes, ecology, economics, tactics of population suppression, and ecological backlash. Credit for either 376 or 386, but not both, may be applied toward graduation. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Ent 386. Management of Insect Pests. (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2004. Prereq: Biol 109 or 201. Tollefson. Introduction to insects and their lifestyles. Theory and application of pest-management practices. Examples drawn primarily from field crops. Nonmajor graduate credit. Credit for either 376 or 386, but not both, may be applied for graduation.

Ent 425. Aquatic Insects. (Dual-listed with 525; same as A Ecl 425.) (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2005. Prereq: Biol 312 or equivalent. Courtney. Morphology, ecology, diversity, and significance of aquatic insects, with emphasis on the collection, curation and identification of taxa in local streams and lakes.

Ent 452. Integrated Management of Diseases and Insect Pests of Turfgrasses. (Dual-listed with 552; same as Pl P 452, Hort 452.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2004. Prereq: Hort 351. Gleason, Lewis. Identification and biology of important diseases and insect pests of turfgrasses. Development of integrated pest management programs in various turfgrass environments.

Ent 478. Global Protozoology - Molecular Biology of Protozoa. (Dual-listed with 578, same as V Pth 478.) See Veterinary Pathology. Graduate credit given for 578.

Ent 483. Wood Deterioration and Preservation. (Same as For 483.) See Forestry. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Ent 490. Independent Study. Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken. Prereq: 15 credits in biological sciences, junior or senior classification. A maximum of 6 credits of 490 may be used toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation.
E. Research or work experience.
U. Laboratory teaching experience. For students registering to be undergraduate laboratory assistants.

Ent 493. Workshop on Insect Management. Cr. 1. SS. Prereq: 370, 372, 376, or 386. Tollefson, Holscher. Insect recognition and sampling will be practiced in agricultural systems. The applications of current pest management practices will be demonstrated in both crop and livestock systems. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Courses Primarily for Graduate Students, Open to Qualified Undergraduate Students
Ent 511. Integrated Management of Tropical Crops. (Same as Pl P 511.) See Plant Pathology.

Ent 525. Aquatic Insects. (Dual-listed with 425; same as A Ecl 525.) (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2005. Prereq: Biol 312 or equivalent. Courtney. Morphology, ecology, diversity and significance of aquatic insects, with emphasis on the collection, curation and identification of taxa in local streams and lakes.

Ent 530. Ecologically Based Pest Management Strategies. (Same as SusAg 530.) See Sustainable Agriculture.

Ent 550. Pesticides in the Environment. (Same as Tox 550.) (2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: Graduate classification. Coats. Fate and significance of pesticides in soil, water, plants, animals, and the atmosphere.

Ent 552. Integrated Management of Diseases and Insect Pests of Turfgrasses. (Dual-listed with 452; same as Pl P 552, Hort 552.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2004. Prereq: Hort 351. Gleason, Lewis. Identification and biology of important diseases and insect pests of turfgrasses. Development of integrated pest management programs in various turfgrass environments.

Ent 555. Insect Physiology. (3-3) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: 370. Jurenka. Life processes of the insects, including reviews of current problems in insect physiology.

Ent 560. Insect Behavior. (Dual-listed with 360.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Biol 202. Baker. The mechanisms underlying the behavior of insects; emphasis on neuroethological and evolutionary bases of insect orientation, reproduction, feeding, oviposition, defense, learning, and sociality.

Ent 568. Advanced Systematics. (Same as Bot 568.) See Botany.

Ent 570. Host Plant Resistance to Insects. (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2004. Prereq: 370 or 376. Tollefson. Principles of insect and host interactions and mechanisms of insect control by host plant resistance.

Ent 573. Advanced Insect Pest Management. (3-3) Cr. 4. Alt. S., offered 2005. Prereq: 370. Tollefson. Contemporary concepts of insect biology and applications of insect population management.

Ent 574. Medical Entomology. (3-3) Cr. 4. Alt. S., offered 2004. Prereq: 9 credits in biological sciences. Rowley. Identification, biology, and significance of insects and other arthropods that attack people and animals, particularly those that are vectors of disease.

Ent 575. Plant Protection Using Natural Enemies. (Dual-listed with 375.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2004. Prereq: 370 or 376. Bonning, Obrycki. Overview of the biology, ecology, and classification of insect pathogens, predators, and parasitoids. Discussion of the use of these organisms in plant protection, including an emphasis on genetic alteration of natural enemies.

Ent 576. Systematic Entomology. (3-6) Cr. 5. Alt. F., offered 2003. Prereq: 370. Courtney. Classification, distribution, and natural history of insects, including fundamentals of phylogenetic systematics, biogeography, taxonomic procedures, and insect collection and curation.

Ent 578. Global Protozoology - Molecular Biology of Protozoa. (Dual-listed with 478, same as V Pth 578.) See Veterinary Pathology.

Ent 580. Sustainable Agriculture Seminar. (Same as An S 580.) See Animal Science.

Ent 590. Special Topics. Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken. Prereq: 15 credits in zoological sciences.
A. Biological Control and Pathology.
B. Chemical Ecology and Behavior.
C. Ecology and Pest Management.
D. Evolution and Systematics.
E. Special Research Topics.
F. Medical and Veterinary Entomology.
G. Molecular Entomology.
H. Morphology and Physiology.
I. Toxicology and Biochemistry.
K. Teaching Experience.
L. Extension Internship.
M. Immature Insects.
N. Insect Genetics.

Courses for Graduate Students
Ent 600. Seminar. Cr. 1. F.S.SS. Presentation of research results.

Ent 671. Insect Ecology. (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2004. Prereq: 370, Biol 312, Stat 401. Concepts of insect population dynamics, emphasizing sampling, outbreaks, analysis, and bioeconomics.

Ent 673. Advanced Plant Protection Using Natural Enemies. (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2005. Prereq: 375 or 575. Bonning, Obrycki. The ecological, physiological, and genetic bases of biological control including consideration of both micro-and macro-organisms used in plant protection. Genetic engineering of insect natural enemies for insect pest suppression. Review of case histories.

Ent 675. Insecticide Toxicology. (Same as Tox 675.) (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2004. Prereq: 555 or Tox 501. Coats. Principles of insecticide toxicology; classification, mode of action, metabolism, and environmental effects of insecticides.

Ent 699. Research. Cr. var.