- Semester: Spring, even-numbered years
- Period: T, TH, 2 (10:55 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.), T 3,4,5 (12:35–5:15 p.m.)
- Next Offered: Spring 2022
- Credits: 4
- Format: Lectures/Labs
- Pre-requisites and Other Registration Restrictions: 11:370:381 Insect Biology or equivalent, 11:370:403 Insect Structure & function I or equivalent, 11:115:403, 404 General Biochemistry or equivalent, and consent of instructor.
- Text: Chapman, Simpson, Douglas, 2013. The Insects: Structure and Function, 5th Edition, 900+ pp. Cambridge University Press; papers from the current literature; the entire course will be posted on a Rutgers Canvas course website
Description
Insect physiology and biochemistry is discussed in the following categories: Nutrient flow through insects including nutrient capture, digestion, absorption, circulation, intermediary metabolism, energy metabolism, detoxification, excretion and electrolyte homeostasis. Embryologic, developmental, reproductive, and neurophysiologic systems are covered, as well as respiration and diapause, including the basic molecular mechanisms. Communication systems including mechanical (tactile, acoustic, visual) and chemical (hormones, pheromones, allomones, kairomones, necromones) in terms of signal characteristics, sending and receiving mechanisms. Selected topics are further explored in laboratory exercises.
Learning Goals
- Knowledge of nutrient flow through insects, including capture, digestion, absorption, circulation, intermediary metabolism, energy metabolism, detoxification, excretion and electrolyte homeostasis.
- Familiarity with embryologic, developmental, respirational, reproductive, diapause and neurophysiologic systems
- Knowledge of insect communication including mechanical (tactile, acoustic, visual) and chemical (hormones, pheromones, allomones, kairomones, necromones) systems in terms of signal characteristics, sending and receiving mechanisms.
Student Learning Assessment:
| Item | Percent of Grade |
|---|---|
| 4 online quizzes | 40% |
| Lab reports | 50 % |
| Lecture attendance | 10% |