BIO 3312 Entomology

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

This course places considerable emphasis on the applied entomology most relevant to south-east Queensland. The student receives a basic grounding in the morphology, physiology, behaviour and taxonomy of Australian insects then is introduced to the important areas of economic entomology and integrated pest management. Included in the course is some relevant laboratory work and the requirement to submit an extensive insect collection. These are intended to give students practical experience in the identification of insects and in current pest management practices.

SYNOPSIS:

This course is offered only in odd years. The course has a strongly applied basis, with nearly half the hours allotted to field and laboratory assignments, consisting of an insect collection (including economic species). Lectures are supportive, surveying structure and function, and in some detail, principles and practice of integrated pest management. Laboratory studies are closely integrated with field assignments and are mainly on basic identification of higher taxa and insects of economic importance in S.E. Queensland. This course is taught by Entomology staff from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an essential knowledge of insect morphology, behaviour and physiology;
2. recognize and classify the economically important insects of Queensland with emphasis on the Darling Downs region;
3. demonstrate skills in the collection of insects, their classification and mounting for permanent display;
4. demonstrate an understanding of integrated pest management practices as currently employed in Australia;
5. demonstrate competence in practical entomology in the laboratory.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Examiner will advise the date of the mid-semester test (Struct./Function/Biol)

2.

The insect collection due date is the End of Semester. Check with Examiner as to the actual due date.

3.

Examiner to advise details regarding Assessment of Practical Performance

4.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published. This exam is a 2hr closed theory exam - integrated pest management

5.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. To maximize their chances of satisfying the objectives of the practical component of the course, students should attend and actively participate in the laboratory sessions in the course.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete the practical component satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available and submit a satisfactory insect collection. To complete the theory component, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks overall in theory exams.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held in the Semester 3 examination period of the current academic year.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES