- Semester: Fall, in odd-numbered years (Taught together with 16:370:517 Insect-Plant Biochemical Interactions)
- Period: MW2 (10:55 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.)
- Credits: 3
- Format: Lecture
- Pre-requisites and Other Registration Restrictions: Consent of instructor; Biology 01:119:115&116; Biochemistry 01:694:301; or equivalents
- Texts: L.M. Schoonhoven, J.J.A. van Loon & M. Dicke (2005) Insect-Plant Biology. Oxford University Press. 421 p. $110; Papers from the current literature; the entire course will be posted on a Rutgers Canvas website – FA2019 16:370:517:01 / 11:370:417:01 INSCT PLNT INTERACTN/li>
Description
Biochemistry of interactions between herbivorous insects and their host plants, plant-derived insect nutrients, carnivorous plants, coevolutionary adaptations to toxic phytochemicals & other plant defenses, pollination. Descriptive chemistry of plant compounds & explanation of characteristics & biological activity features of the molecules, metabolic and physiological defense mechanisms of insects, the mode of action and molecular features of target physiological systems.
Learning Goals
- Knowledge of the major groups of herbivorous insects and host plant species.
- Understanding of the biochemical & physiological interactions and their evolutions between the plants and the insects.
- Understanding of the consequences of human agricultural and other activities on these interactions.
- Ability to identify interactions and the participating plants and insects; to design experimental approaches, proper data collection and analysis for improved
understanding of the interactions; to devise strategies for accommodating or utilizing these interactions for the benefit of sustained and habitable environments. - Communicate information to the scientific community and the public.
Learning Assessment
| Item | Percent of Grade |
|---|---|
| 6 online quizzes | 90% |
| Lecture attendance | 10% |