Entomology Courses

We have a wide variety of courses available in the department.  Please take a look through them and visit individual course web pages for more information. 

For course offerings, time and location please visit the Course & Room Roster

ENTOM 2010 - Alien Empire: Bizarre Biology of Bugs

Spring. 2 or 3 credits. S-U or letter grades. Optional field trips. B. N. Danforth.

Insects are the most abundant and diverse animals on earth. This course explores the bizarre biology of insects and their interaction with humans. We will examine 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). We will also explore the symbolic representation of insects in art, literature and religion. Students taking the course for 3 credits will meet once per week (on Friday) for discussion and documentary films on the biology of insects.

http://instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/courses/ent201/

ENTOM 2100 - Plagues and People

Fall. 2 or 3 credits. Prerequisites: introductory biology or permission of instructor. Offered alternate years. L. C. Harrington.

Human diseases transmitted by insects and related forms (arthropods) have affected human lives and society through history. This course focuses on the pathogens, parasites, and arthropods causing human plagues. Those plagues that have had the greatest impact on human culture and expression are emphasized. Lectures are supplemented with readings and films. Also addresses emerging diseases, bioterrorism, and future plagues. Students taking the course for 3 credits participate in readings, presentations/discussions each week (on Fridays), weekly readings quizzes, and have a comprehensive final project.

http://www.entomology.cornell.edu/Faculty_Staff/Harrington/teaching.html

ENTOM 2120 - Insect Biology

Fall. 4 credits. Pre- or co-requisites: BIO G 1010-1020 or equivalent. Lab fee: $38. S. Van Nouhuys.

Introduces the science of entomology by focusing on basic principles of systematics, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology of insects. The laboratory in early fall includes field trips to collect and study insects in the natural environment. Requires a collection emphasizing ecological, behavioral, and taxonomic categories.

ENTOM 2150 - Spider Biology: Life on a Silken Thread

Fall. 2 credits. Prerequisite: introductory biology or permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. L. S. Rayor.

Introduction to the fascinating world of spiders. Explores evolution, ecology, behavior, and physiology of spiders and their close kin from a modern perspective. Topics include identification of major spider families, spiders' unique use of silk, risky courtship, predatory behavior, diverse life styles, social spiders, and potential use in IPM.

ENTOM 2410 - Insect Pest Management for Practitioners

Spring. 3 credits. Limited to 18 students. Prerequisites: BIO G 1010-1020 or equivalent. W. M. Tingey.

Introduction to insect pest management in plant or animal protection for those preparing for careers in extension, service, and production. Emphasizes pest monitoring, sight identification, diagnosis, decision-making, and management tactics for the major groups of insect and arthropod pests affecting field, forage, and vegetable crops; floriculture, woody ornamentals, and turf; urban environments and public health; veterinary, dairy, livestock, and poultry. Five off-campus laboratory field trips with demonstrations of pest management decision-making, pest-monitoring tools, and pesticide-application equipment.

http://instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/courses/ent241/241.html

ENTOM 2600 - Biology of the Honey Bee

Fall. 2 credits. Offered alternate years. N. W. Calderone.

Introduces students to the life history, physiology, and behavior of honey bees, as well as to the fundamentals of practical beekeeping. Reviews classical and contemporary research on the dance language, chemical communication, behavioral genetics, division of labor, and evolution of social behavior. Also includes lectures on pollination of agricultural crops, honey and beeswax, bees in ancient and modern rituals, Africanized honey bees, and insect politics.

ENTOM 2640 - Practical Beekeeping

Fall. 1 credit. Limited to 20 students. Pre- or co-requisite: ENTOM 2600. Offered alternate years. N. W. Calderone.

Consists of 14 laboratory sessions that acquaint students with practical methods of colony management. Laboratories involve hands-on work with honey bee colonies and equipment. Topics include management of bees for pollination, honey harvesting and processing, wax processing and candle making and disease identification/control. The class makes a number of field trips to commercial beekeeping operations. Students conduct simple experiments to demonstrate color perception by bees, as well as the chemical basis for swarming, nest guarding, and mating.

ENTOM 2770 - Invasive Species and Natural Enemies

Spring. 2–3 credits. S-U grades optional. Lec., lab, demonstration; optional field trip. Optional disc session offered for 1 credit. A. E. Hajek and J. P. Nyrop.

The purpose of this course is for students to learn about biological control and the looming problems caused by invasive species. These topics are obviously grounded in biology; however, they have social, economic, and philosophical links. Many projects on biological control and invasive species are conducted on the Cornell campus; examples of research will be provided, including talks by guest lecturers. Subjects covered will include basic concepts of biological control and biological invasion. These subjects fit well together because one of the first lines of defense against invasive species is use of biological control agents. Invasive species impact agriculture but also increasingly affect and can permanently change natural systems. Natural enemies used for biological control that will be discussed include predators, parasitoids, pathogens, herbivores and antagonists to control vertebrate, invertebrate, and microbial pests and weeds.

http://www.entomology.cornell.edu/IthacaCamus/EduTraining/Courses/Entom277

ENTOM 3070 - Pesticides, the Environment, and Human Health (also TOX 3070)

Fall. 2 credits. Prerequisites: BIO G 101-102 or equivalent. Offered alternate years. J. G. Scott.

Survey of the different types of pesticides, their uses, properties, and effects on the environment. Discusses the risks, benefits, regulation, politics, and current controversies associated with pesticide use and genetically modified crops.

ENTOM 3150 - Spider Biology

Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: introductory biology or permission of instructor. Letter grades only. L. S. Rayor.

In-depth introduction to the fascinating world of spiders and their relatives. Meets concurrently with ENTOM 2150 (2 credits). Students in ENTOM 3150 meet for another hour with additional coverage of current topics in arachnology and developing spider identification skills. Entomology majors and biology majors in the Insect Biology Program of Study should take ENTOM 3150 rather than 2150. Students may not take both ENTOM 2150 and 3150 for credit.

ENTOM 3250 - Insect Behavior

Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: introductory biology and either ENTOM 2120 or BIONB 2210. Offered alternate years. L. S. Rayor.

Insects are the most diverse organisms on earth, with equally diverse behavior. This course explores the behavior of insects, ranging from the individual sensory and physiological mechanisms that are the basis of insect behavior, to the behavioral dynamics of foraging, courtship, parental care, and social behavior. Topics include insect learning, perceptual abilities, host finding strategies, predation, pollination, and examination of current issues in insect behavior.

ENTOM 3310 - Introductory Insect Systematics

Fall. 4 credits. Prerequisite: ENTOM 2120. Lab fee: $50. Offered alternate years. Staff.

Introduction to the classification, evolutionary history, and distribution of insects. Includes lab practice in the identification of orders, families, and representative genera of insects; methods of collection, preservation, and study. Lectures cover theory and practice of insect systematics and major features of insect evolution. Insect collections required.

ENTOM 3311 - Insect Phylogeny and Evolution Laboratory

Fall. 1 credit. Prerequisite: ENTOM 2120 lab. Offered alternate years. B. N. Danforth.

Introduction of the diversity, phylogeny, evolution, and fossil history of insects. Includes lab practice in insect morphology, insect diversity, and phylogenetic analysis. Entomology undergraduates wishing to count this course toward their Group A requirement are required to take the laboratory, as well as the lecture for a total of 4 credits.

ENTOM 3330 - Maggots, Grubs, and Cutworms: Larval Insect Biology

Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ENTOM 2120 or permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. J. K. Liebherr.

The evolutionary history of the Holometabola has been greatly informed by attributes of their larvae. This course introduces students to the biology, anatomy, and natural history of holometabolous insect larvae. The lab includes field sampling, curation of field-collected specimens, and identification of unknowns. Development of a small larval collection required.

ENTOM 3350 - Naturalist Outreach Practicum

Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: entomology or conservation biology course or permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. L.S. Rayor.

Learn the skills to do effective scientific outreach. This interdisciplinary course combines lectures on topics relevant to teaching about natural history, with more pedagogic lectures on developing and presenting scientific inquiry–based presentations. The course emphasizes developing different approaches to effectively communicate science at different scales from classroom settings, through museum programs, to large outreach events. Students participate in the Naturalist Speakers Bureau to provide lively multimedia presentations in classrooms throughout the region. With feedback from peers and instructors, students develop their own biological presentations, display materials, and teacher resource guides.

ENTOM 3360 - Naturalist Outreach in Biology

Fall. 1–2 credits, variable. Prerequisite: ENTOM 3350. S-U or letter grades. L. S. Rayor.

For students who have already taken Naturalist Outreach Practicum (ENTOM 3350) who wish to continue doing scientific outreach through the Naturalist Outreach Speakers Bureau. This course can be taken twice.

ENTOM 3440 - Insect Conservation Biology

Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: entomology or conservation biology course or permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. J. E. Losey.

In-depth look at the concepts and issues surrounding the conservation of insects and other invertebrates. Topics include sampling rare populations; insect conservation genetics; the role of phylogeny in determining conservation priorities; refuge design; saving individual species; plus the unique political, social, and ethical aspects of insect conservation and preservation of their ecological services (i.e., pollination, decomposition, pest suppression, and insectivore food sources).

http://instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/courses/icb344/course-overview.html

ENTOM 3520 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology

Fall. 4 credits. Prerequisites: BIO G 1010-1020 or permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. L. C. Harrington.

Diseases resulting from arthropod-borne pathogens (such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever) cause considerable human and animal suffering and death worldwide. This course explores the impact of vector-borne disease and provides a comprehensive overview of the fields of medical and veterinary entomology. The goal is to encourage an understanding of evolutionary and ecological issues associated with disease transmission. The laboratory includes field trips, collection and identification of arthropods of medical/veterinary importance, and hands-on experience with modern laboratory research methods. Undergraduate and graduate students from entomology as well as other disciplines including pre-medical and veterinary students are encouraged to enroll.

http://www.entomology.cornell.edu/Faculty_Staff/Harrington/ENT352Syllabus.html

ENTOM 3521 - Lab in Medical and Veterinary Entomology

Fall. 1 credit. Prerequisites: ENTOM 3520 at the same time or have taken another Medical/Veterinary Entomology course. S-U or letter grades. Offered alternate years. L. C. Harrington.

The laboratory compliments the lecture course, ENTOM 352. Includes field trips, collection and identification and arthropods of medical/veterinary importance, and hands-on experience with modern laboratory research methods.

ENTOM 3690 - Chemical Ecology (also BIOEE/BIONB 3690)

Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisites: one semester of introductory biology for majors or nonmajors and one semester of introductory chemistry for majors or nonmajors or equivalents, or permission of instructor. S-U or letter grades. Lec. A. Agrawal, G. Jander, A. Kessler, and J. Thaler

Why are chilies so spicy? This course examines the chemical basis of interactions between species and is intended for students with a basic knowledge of chemistry and biology. Focuses on the ecology and chemistry of plants, animals, and microbes. Stresses chemical signals used in diverse ecosystems, using Darwinian natural selection as a framework. Topics include: plant defenses, microbial warfare, communication in marine organisms, and human pheromones.

ENTOM 3940 - Circadian Rhythms (also BIOGD/BIONB/PLPA 3940)

Fall. 2 credits. Prerequisite: 2000-level biology course. S-U grades optional. K. Lee.

Explores a fundamental feature of living organisms from all kingdoms: how the cellular 24-hour biological clock operates and influences biological activities. Covers fundamental properties of biological rhythms and cellular and molecular structure of circadian oscillators in many organisms, including cyanobacteria, fungi, insects, plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals (including humans).

ENTOM 4100 & 4101 - Malaria Interventions in Ghana

4100, fall; 4101, spring. 2 credits each semester. S-U only. L. C. Harrington.

This service learning class will educate students about malaria, Ghana culture and general public health intervention strategies. During the fall semester, students will hear from a variety of speakers and will read and discuss key papers. Students in the class will travel to Ghana over winter break and create a malaria needs indicator to evaluate intervention strategies in partnership with the Ghana Health and Education Initiative. After returning from the service trip, students will evaluate their survey and intervention plan.

ENTOM 4440 - Integrated Pest Management (also CSS 4440)

Fall. 3 or 4 credits with lab. Prerequisite: introductory biology or permission of instructor. J. E. Losey and A. DiTommaso.

Lectures integrate the principles of pest control, ecology, and economics in the management of pests across multiple systems. Labs consist of exercises to reinforce concepts presented in lecture and demonstrate pest monitoring techniques and the application of computer technology to management problems.

ENTOM 4530 - Principles and Practice of Historical Biogeography (also BIOPL 4530)

Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: systematics course or permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. J. K. Liebherr and M. Luckow.

Survey of techniques in historical biogeography, and the development of modern biogeographic theory in the context of classical, ecological, and phylogenetic analytical methods. Presents geological and paleontological aspects of biogeography and discusses large-scale biogeographic patterns. Labs focus on computer applications and discussion of controversial issues.

ENTOM 4550 - Insect Ecology (also BIOEE 4550)

Fall. 3 credits. Recommended: ENTOM 2120 or BIOEE 2610 or permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. J. S. Thaler.

Focuses on individual and population aspects of insect ecology as well as some topics in community and ecosystem ecology. Sresses the importance of interactions with the biotic and abiotic environment stressed. Laboratory includes indoor and outdoor field trips illustrating the major concepts in insect ecology as well as experimental techniques.

ENTOM 4630 - Invertebrate Pathology

Spring. 4 credits. Prerequisites: one year introductory biology. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. A. E. Hajek.

Lecture presents principles of pathology as applied to invertebrates. Topics include noninfectious and infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes, epizootiology of insect diseases, and use of pathogens for control. Lab involves a diversity of pathogens and hosts using techniques such as microinjection, electrophoresis, immunoassay, density gradient centrifugation, soil extraction, and computer simulation.

ENTOM 4700 - Ecological Genetics

Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOEE 278 or permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. B. P. Lazzaro.

Focuses on the application of population genetic concepts in ecological or applied contexts. Emphasizes measuring adaptation in natural populations, detecting the effects of population demography, and determining the genetic basis of quantitative traits. Draws examples from primary research on animals and plants to illustrate experimental techniques and methods of data analysis on single-gene, multi-locus and genome-wide scales.

ENTOM 4830 - Insect Physiology

Spring. 4 credits. Prerequisite: ENTOM 2120 or permission of instructor. Offered alternate years. C. Gilbert. and A. Douglas.

Introduction to the often unique ways in which insects have met their basic needs. Examines each organ system with emphasis on basic principles and specific examples. Also introduces students to some common methods used in physiological research and to the critical reading of scientific literature.

ENTOM 4900 - Toxicology of Insecticides (also TOX 4900)

Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: general chemistry course. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. J. G. Scott.

History, metabolism, and mechanism of action of genetically modified, synthetic, and naturally occurring insecticides. Discusses insecticide resistance, resistance management, and new approaches to insect control with genetically modified organisms.

ENTOM 4940 - Special Topics in Entomology

Fall or spring. 4 credits max. S-U grades optional. Staff.

The department teaches trial courses under this number. Offerings vary by semester, and are advertised by the department before the semester starts. Courses offered under the number will be approved by the department curriculum committee, and the same course is not to be offered more than twice under this number.

ENTOM 4970 - Individual Study in Entomology

Fall or spring. Credit TBA. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Students must register using independent study form (available in 140 Roberts Hall). Staff.

ENTOM 4980 - Undergraduate Teaching

Fall or spring. Credit TBA. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Students must register using independent study form (available in 140 Roberts Hall). Staff.

Undergraduate teaching assistance in an entomology course by agreement with the instructor. Participating students assist in teaching a course allied with their education and experience. Students are expected to meet regularly with a discussion or laboratory section, to gain teaching experience, and regularly to discuss teaching objectives, techniques, and subject matter with the professor in charge.

ENTOM 4990 - Undergraduate Research

Fall and Spring. Credits TBA. S-U or letter grades. Staff.

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Students must register with an Independent Study Form (available in 140 Roberts Hall).

ENTOM 6340 - Special Topics in Systematic Entomology

Fall or spring; on demand. 2-4 credits. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Staff.

Lectures on the classification, evolution, and bionomics of selected taxa, with accompanying laboratory studies on identification and comparative morphology. Collections sometimes required.

ENTOM 6550 - Nomenclature Seminar

Spring. 1 credit. S-U or letter grades. Lec. Offered alternate years. J. K. Liebherr.

This seminar will expose you to the rules of zoological nomenclature supported by the International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature. These rules will be viewed in the context of necessary principles for any system that encodes names of biological entities. The class benefits from our outstanding Comstock Memorial Library, from which we will view examples of important entomological works to gain an understanding of how the International Code for Zoological Nomenclature has been implemented.

ENTOM 6620 - Insect Behavior Seminar

Spring. 2 credits. Prerequisites: permission of instructor or ENTOM 2120 and BIONB 2210 or equivalents. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. C. Gilbert.

ENTOM 6700 - Seminar on Biological Control

Fall. 1 credit. Prerequisite: ENTOM 2770, 4400, 4630 or permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. A. E. Hajek.

Upper-level seminar series in biological control covering topics chosen by participating students and faculty. Weekly discussion groups with each participant presenting at least one oral report based on independent reading or research focusing on a central theme for the semester.

ENTOM 6850 - Seminar in Insect Physiology

Spring. 1 credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Offered alternate years. C. Gilbert.

ENTOM 7070 - Individual Study for Graduate Students

Fall or spring. Credit TBA. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Not for thesis research. Staff.

ENTOM 7090 - Teaching Entomology

Credit TBA. Staff.

Teaching entomology or for extension training.

ENTOM 7670 - Current Topics in Entomology

Fall and Spring. 1 or 2 credits. Requirement for first- and second-year entomology graduate students. S-U grades only. A. Hajek and B. N. Danforth.

This course provides first and second year graduate students with an overview of the field of Entomology. The course format changes from year to year but generally involves attendance at the weekly Entomology seminar on Monday as well as a one-hour meeting shortly after the seminar either with faculty from the department or with visiting speakers. Additional readings may be required. Graduate students in Entomology are required to attend the class for a total of two semesters (ideally in the first year of their graduate program). The 2-credit option is for students attending the Jugatae seminar and a one-hour meeting following the seminar. The 1-credit option is for attendance at the seminar only.

ENTOM 8900 - Master's-Level Thesis Research

Credit TBA. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Staff.

Research at the master's level.

ENTOM 9900 - Doctoral-Level Thesis Research

Credit TBA. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Staff.

Research at the doctoral level.

Jugatae Seminar

Fall and spring.

Seminar conducted by Jugatae, the entomology club of Cornell University, to discuss topics of interest to its meembers and guests. All interested undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to attend.