Weill Medical College of Cornell University · Courses
ENTOM
48 courses with the subject ENTOM, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
ENTOM 2010Alien Empire: Bizarre Biology of Bugs2
Insects are the most abundant and diverse animals on earth. This course explores the bizarre biology of insects and their interaction with humans. It examines 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). The course also explores the symbolic representation of insects in art, literature, and religion.
Insects are the most abundant and diverse animals on earth. This course explores the bizarre biology of insects and their interaction with humans. It examines 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). The course also explores the symbolic representation of insects in art, literature, and religion. Students taking the course meet for small group discussions, debates, demonstrations, and documentary films on the biology of insects. This course is suitable for non-life sciences majors.
ENTOM 2030Honey Bees: Their Intriguing Biology and Interactions with Humans and More3
Honeybees have been an object of fascination for mankind since prehistoric times. The complexity of their communal life has intrigued many observers and scientists, and they have long been prized for their honey as well as their beeswax. Honeybees, along with many wild bees are essential coworkers in agriculture because of their pollination services, and they are increasingly seen as important partners for sustainable agriculture that limits the use of pesticides. This course aims to offer an exploration of one of the most amazing life forms we know. Topics covered include chemical ecology, insect physiology, beekeeping, behavioral ecology, pollination biology, sociobiology and Conservation Biology. This course is suitable for non-life sciences students. This course is suitable for non-life sciences majors.
ENTOM 2031Honey Bees: Their Intriguing Biology and Interactions with Humans2
Honeybees have been an object of fascination for mankind since prehistoric times. The complexity of their communal life has intrigued many observers and scientists, and they have long been prized for their honey as well as their beeswax. Honeybees, along with many wild bees are essential coworkers in agriculture because of their pollination services, and they are increasingly seen as important partners for sustainable agriculture that limits the use of pesticides. This course aims to offer an exploration of one of the most amazing life forms we know. Topics covered include chemical ecology, insect physiology, beekeeping, behavioral ecology, pollination biology, sociobiology and Conservation Biology. This course is suitable for non-life sciences students.
Human diseases have affected human lives and society through history. This course focuses on the pathogens, parasites, and arthropods causing human plagues through multiple perspectives (biomedical, social, ethical, cultural). Those plagues that have had the greatest impact on human culture and expression are emphasized. Lectures are supplemented with readings and videos . Also addresses emerging diseases, bioterrorism, and future plagues.
Introduces the science of entomology, focusing on the systematics, anatomy, physiology, basic and applied ecology, and natural history of insects. Early fall laboratories include field trips to collect and study insects in the natural environment. A personal collection emphasizing ecological, behavioral, and taxonomic categories is a requirement of the laboratory.
ENTOM 2150Spider Biology: Life on a Silken Thread2
Introduction to the fascinating world of spiders and their close kin. Explores behavior, ecology, evolution, and physiology of spiders from a modern perspective. Topics include their unusual reproduction, predatory behavior, unique use of silk, social spiders, and potential use in IPM.
ENTOM 2300Biology of Sex: Diversity and Evolution3
This course examines the origin, molecular mechanisms, and ultimate consequences of sex through the lens of evolutionary biology. We will focus on demystifying the questions about sex that evolutionary biologists seek to answer, why these questions matter, and what specific insights can be gained from them. Each week, we will broach a different question or set of related questions, and combine an introductory lecture with a discussion based on specific empirical findings. The course will emphasize critical thinking and engagement with the scientific literature while also developing a foundational knowledge of the processes that drive evolution in relation to sex.
ENTOM 2500Biological Diversity of the Sonoran Desert3
The Sonoran Desert hosts an impressive array of biological diversity. This course will explore this diversity, with a focus on the insect fauna and the plants they utilize. Specific topics will include collection methods, insect biodiversity, biogeography, and Sonoran Desert plant communities. Required field component to Tucson, AZ during spring break, TBA. This course receives more credit than typical for the meeting pattern due to substantial academic activity outside of instructional hours.
ENTOM 3030Applied Statistics: Biological Experiments in Practice4
In this course, you will get hands-on experience in how to design, analyze, and interpret biological experiments. This course will be particularly useful if you plan to conduct experiments in a greenhouse or field setting. You will learn to develop a scientific question, formulate biological and statistical hypotheses, derive testable predictions, design and conduct experiments, collect your own data, test the proposed hypotheses using appropriate statistical methods, interpret the statistical results within a broader conceptual framework, and finally present statistical methods and results in written and oral form. You will learn common statistical methods (chi-square tests, t-test, ANOVA, Regression) and how to run them in R. This course will be based on the scientific method, and the role statistical analysis play within this method.
In-depth introduction to the fascinating world of spiders and their relatives. Students cover current topics in arachnology and developing spider identification skills.
Insects are the dominant terrestrial organisms on planet earth both in terms of the number of species as well as in biomass. This course will provide a detailed look at insect diversity, phylogeny, natural history, and the insect fossil record. We will examine what is known about insect higher level relationships based on morphology and DNA sequence data and explore how phylogenies can be used to examine the evolution of behavior, life history, ecology, and natural history. Students will come away from the class with a deeper understanding of insect biodiversity, evolution, natural history, and phylogeny.
This laboratory will introduce students to the diversity of insects and their identification. Collections will be made in the early part of the semester. Labs will introduce students to insect collecting techniques and insect identification to the family level. Optional weekend field trips to natural areas will take place early in the semester.
An interdisciplinary course on how to do effective scientific outreach. The goals of the course are 1) to train students to speak about science with passion and clarity, 2) for the students to be able to teach science effectively in classrooms, science centers, and in large community outreach events, and 3) to train a generation of civically engaged scientific outreach leaders. Students give presentations in schools. Class size is limited. Students who wish to enroll should read blogs.cornell.edu/naturalistoutreach, please contact the instructor to get an enrollment code.
If you have already taken ENTOM 3350, you can continue to do outreach in the community for credit. Open only to students who have already taken ENTOM 3350.
This course focuses on how insects affect our daily lives in agriculture, urban and environmental settings and public health. Through hands-on field trips, lectures and laboratory exercises, students will gain an appreciation for and understanding of the biology, ecology and behavior of important insects and other arthropods. We will explore insects and pests as well as beneficial organisms (e.g. pollinators, natural enemies and aquatic insects). We will discuss various past, present and future pest management practices and the effects they have on our society, economy, health and the environment in which we live. The course will emphasize field experiences and discussion of topics. Previous experience in entomology is not required.
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).
ENTOM 3630Bugs in Bugs– Insect Pathology and Immunity3
Bugs in Bugs: Insect Pathology and Immunity provides an overview of the major groups of internal pathogens and parasites that infect insects in natural and managed settings, as well as the fundamental structure of the insect immune system for combatting infection. Major pathogen groups covered include viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasitoids, nematodes and other parasites. The course will examine infection strategies used by each pathogen group and the mode of host immune defense deployed against each pathogen. At the population level, the course will examine epidemiological and evolutionary outcomes of infection.
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 3755Social Animal Behavior: Arthropods to Apes3
Why do some animals live in social groups while others live solitarily? Throughout Animalia are examples of closely related taxa in which the majority of species live essentially solitary lives while a few species have evolved to live in cooperative social groups. What factors make cooperation beneficial while closely related species succeed without those benefits? We will compare the ecological and evolutionary factors influencing sociality in animals from social amoeba, eusocial insects, social invertebrates, cooperative birds, ground squirrels, carnivores, elephants, and primates with the goal of developing a comparative social synthesis. Social theory, and patterns of foraging, reproduction, parental care, group defense will be compared. Social animals are the most compelling, and the most informative to the human condition of all animals.
Whether hot or cold, temperature has a pervasive impact on animals. This class will roam across biophysics, physiology, energetics, ecology, and evolution to show how and why temperature is so important. We will compare endotherms and ectotherms, learn how animals regulate their body temperatures, how they respond to extreme environmental temperatures, and how evolution has shaped thermal biology. We will explore how temperature shapes animal distributions and responses to anthropogenic disturbance and changing climates. Examples will range from polar fishes to livestock, and from tiny insects to the largest dinosaurs.
ENTOM 4000Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases3
This course introduces students to the field of infectious disease ecology, an area of study that has developed rapidly over the past three decades and addresses some of the most significant challenges to human health and conservation. Students will learn about the incredible diversity of parasitic organisms, arguably the most abundant life forms on the planet, and examine how pathogens invade and spread through host populations. Throughout the course, an emphasis will be placed on understanding of infectious diseases dynamics at the population level, and on quantitative approaches for studying pathogen spread and impacts. Specific topics include types of pathogens and their ecological properties, epidemiology and impacts on host populations, types of transmission, evolution of resistance and virulence, drivers of the emergence of new diseases, parasites in the context of ecological communities, strategies for controlling outbreaks, and the role of parasites in biodiversity and conservation.
ENTOM 4040Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM: The Science Behind Bias Seminar1
In this seminar course we will discuss the historical context of bias and exclusion in science, read from and discuss the primary literature to understand the science of bias and why it is present and how it has continued to persist across the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, and identify actionable items to address and overcome these issues.
This course integrates technical approaches to biodiversity conservation, with a focus on biological analysis of species facing extinction risk. Students will learn quantitative tools for analyzing variation at genetic, population, and landscape levels. The curriculum covers stage-structured population dynamics, predation, gene flow, inbreeding, extinction processes, and harvesting effects. Analytical methods include population-projection models, perturbation analysis, metapopulation models, population viability analysis, and various genetic diversity assessments. Special attention is given to evaluating extinction risk in data-deficient species such as insects. By developing these quantitative skills, students will critically evaluate assumptions underlying conservation plans and assessments, including IUCN criteria and endangered species classification. The course is suitable for all biology and conservation-related majors.
This course introduces vector taxonomy, evolution, biology, behavior, and the history of vector-borne disease control, with an emphasis on the USA. Some lectures will feature expert spotlights: brief conversations with experts in vector control/public health who will join the class live or via recorded video link. Through a series of lectures and projects, you will have a chance to gain knowledge of the latest surveillance approaches, control methods, and challenges for controlling vector-borne diseases. In this course, we intend for you to gain an understanding of arthropod biology, body plans, organ systems, behavior and physiology, infection biology and immunity. You will demonstrate a solid understanding of disease vector evolutionary relationships. Our ultimate goal is for you to learn how to apply knowledge gained from the class in your future roles as entomologists, health experts or public health practitioners.
The laboratory complements the required lecture course ENTOM 4520. Students will learn how to collect and identify arthropods that transmit human pathogens and parasites. Lab sessions will include a mixture of field trips, hands on demonstrations and independent student work.
You will learn to think like an ecologist by studying the fundamental principles of insect ecology and the types of questions ecologists ask, seeing how ecology can be used to understand and solve environmental problems, and putting this knowledge into action during group activities in the lab and field.
ENTOM 4610Model-Based Phylogenetics and Hypothesis Testing3
This course is an introduction to the tree of life (phylogeny): its conceptual origins, methods for discovering its structure, how phylogenies are used in macroevolution, and its importance in evolutionary biology and other areas of science. Topics include historical context and concepts, sources of data, methods of phylogenetic analysis, and the use of phylogenies to study systematics and classification, the tempo and mode of lineage diversification, coevolution, biogeography, conservation, molecular biology, development, and epidemiology.
Ecological Genetics focuses on the application of population genetic concepts in ecological contexts, with emphases on measuring adaptation in natural populations, detecting the effects of population demography, and determining the genetic basis of quantitative traits. Illustrative examples will be drawn from the primary research literature to demonstrate experimental techniques and methods of data analysis on single-gene, multi-locus and genome-wide scales.
How do insects work? This course explores the structure, function, and unique adaptations of insects, with an emphasis on the fundamental principles of physiology. Students will be introduced to each organ system, whole-organism homeostasis, and commonly used physiological methods. The course also covers the insect immune system, as well as modern approaches in insect molecular biology and physiology. As a Writing in the Majors course, it provides students with structured training in writing primary scientific papers.
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 offered more than twice under this number.
A student may, with approval of a faculty advisor, study a problem or topic not covered in a regular course or may undertake tutorial study of an independent nature in an area of interest in Entomology.
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.
This course integrates technical approaches to biodiversity conservation, with a focus on biological analysis of species facing extinction risk. Students will learn quantitative tools for analyzing variation at genetic, population, and landscape levels. The curriculum covers stage-structured population dynamics, predation, gene flow, inbreeding, extinction processes, and harvesting effects. Analytical methods include population-projection models, perturbation analysis, metapopulation models, population viability analysis, and various genetic diversity assessments. Special attention is given to evaluating extinction risk in data-deficient species such as insects. By developing these quantitative skills, students will critically evaluate assumptions underlying conservation plans and assessments, including IUCN criteria and endangered species classification. The course is suitable for all biology and conservation-related majors.
Introduces the science of entomology, focusing on the systematics, anatomy, physiology, basic and applied ecology, and natural history of insects. Early fall laboratories include field trips to collect and study insects in the natural environment. A personal collection emphasizing ecological, behavioral, and taxonomic categories is a requirement of the laboratory.
ENTOM 6000Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases3
This course introduces students to the field of infectious disease ecology, an area of study that has developed rapidly over the past three decades and addresses some of the most significant challenges to human health and conservation. Students will learn about the incredible diversity of parasitic organisms, arguably the most abundant life forms on the planet, and examine how pathogens invade and spread through host populations. Throughout the course, an emphasis will be placed on understanding of infectious diseases dynamics at the population level, and on quantitative approaches for studying pathogen spread and impacts. Specific topics include types of pathogens and their ecological properties, epidemiology and impacts on host populations, types of transmission, evolution of resistance and virulence, drivers of the emergence of new diseases, parasites in the context of ecological communities, strategies for controlling outbreaks, and the role of parasites in biodiversity and conservation.
This course will cover key laboratory and field techniques, methods and concepts in public health vector biology and control. Students will learn laboratory methods for determining blood meal hosts, methods for determining sugar feeding patterns of mosquitoes and how to conduct resistance bioassays for ticks and mosquitoes. In addition, data management and collection strategies, mapping and spatial analysis will be covered. Public health skills including program management and grant writing will be included. Additional skills may be addressed based on the student needs and interests. The goal is to provide students with hands on experience leading to competency in vector biology practice.
ENTOM 6900Seminar in Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases1
Graduate-level discussion of the ecology, epidemiology, genetics, and evolution of infectious disease in animal and plant systems. Weekly discussion of research papers published in the primary scientific literature. Participation in discussion and presentation of at least one paper required for course credit.
ENTOM 7100Mastering the Craft of Scientific Writing2
This course will offer students an opportunity to develop skills necessary for writing scientific papers, progress reports, and grant proposals. Students will work on their own projects, as well as offer editorial comments on the work of other students in the course. MS and PhD students at all stages are welcome in the course, from first year students developing thesis proposals and grants to support their work, to senior students finishing their dissertations and applying for faculty and postdoctoral positions. This course is being offered at 2 credits as there is 0% work required outside of the classroom.This course will offer students an opportunity to develop skills necessary for writing scientific papers, progress reports, and grant proposals. Students will work on their own projects, as well as offer editorial comments on the work of other students in the course. MS and PhD students at all stages are welcome in the course, from first year students developing thesis proposals and grants to support their work, to senior students finishing their dissertations and applying for faculty and postdoctoral positions.
Group intensive study of current research in plant-insect interactions. Topics vary from semester to semester but include chemical defense, coevolution, insect community structure, population regulation, biocontrol, tritrophic interactions, and mutualism.
This is a graduate level seminar required of, and limited to, first semester graduate students in the Field of Entomology. The content focusses on professional development skills, including critical reading of scientific literature, oral and written presentation, and grant writing.
Dissertation research conducted by a Ph.D. student in the field of entomology with advice and consultation of a major professor who is a member of the field.
