Vectors are living organisms that can transmit infectious diseases between humans or from animals to humans. Vector-borne diseases have impacted human lives and society through history. This introductory course examines the major vector-borne diseases affecting humans through multiple perspectives (biomedical, cultural, political, and social) on a global scale. Special attention will be paid to arthropod-borne diseases with the greatest impact on history such as mosquitoes, ticks, and lice. Lectures will be supplemented with readings and videos.

Biology and behavior of insects and other pests attacking livestock, poultry, pets and wildlife. Current control methods are discussed. For students interested in livestock production, farm management, equine management, dairy science, poultry science, and preveterinary medicine, as well as general agriculture.

The basic principles of heredity as currently understood from evidence accumulated in classical, cytogenetic, molecular, and quantitative genetic , experiments. Emphasis is placed on a thorough understanding of genetic principles and the relationship of genetics to all biological disciplines.

Special problems for individual students who are capable of pursuing independent investigations in the various areas of entomology. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

Special problems for individual students who are capable of pursuing independent investigations in the various areas of entomology. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

Special problems for individual students who are capable of pursuing independent investigations in the various areas of entomology. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

Field-based or community-based experience in entomology under supervision of a faculty member. Pass/Fail only.

Molecular genetics is the study of the biochemical basis of heredity and focuses on the structure and expression of DNA at the molecular and cellular level. The course will provide a detailed understanding of the biochemical events involved in genome replication, prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription, and translation of DNA, as well as RNA processing, recombination and the theoretical underpinnings of genetic engineering.

This survey course examines the population dynamics and equlibria of genes in nuclei, chloroplasts and mitochondria. Emphasis will be on biological relevance (in plants, animals, and micro-organisms), but some theoretical derivations will also be introduced.

The principles of animal behavior will be stressed using insects as examples. Physiology, mechanisms, behavioral ecology and evolution of insect behavior will be covered.