They kill more people annually than any other animal. They account for the largest biomass of all terrestrial animals. And we can’t live without them. They are insects. Insects are the world’s most diverse group of organisms. We know of more than 2.4 million different types of insects which accounts for 80% of the world’s species.
This course is designed as an introduction to insects and their allies in which you will learn morphological and anatomical adaptations, evolution, classification, identification, ecology, social applications, epidemiology and medical applications. Laboratory and field activities include sampling, specimen preparation, and identification investigations.
- Identify terrestrial arthropods to Class by visual inspection.
- Identify insects to Order by inspection, and identify common forms to Family.
- Be able to Identify unknown insects by use of standard taxonomic keys.
- Understand insect adaptation and evolutionary processes.
- Learn the basic internal anatomy of insects,
- Describe the life cycles of important insect groups.
- Understand how insects adapt behaviorally and ecologically.
- Understand how insects affect humans medically, economically and socially.
Sundays in February (2/2, 2/9,2/16,2/23)
10AM-2PM
$160 NHSM Members
$190 NHSM Non-Members
Instructor: James D. Young, PhD
Dr. Young earned his B.S. from SUNY College of Environmental Science in 2002 and completed his Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Georgia in 2006. After graduating he was hired by Oregon State University to run the Insect ID Clinic and teach classes in Entomology In late 2009 he accepted a position with USDA and is currently a National Specialist in Lepidoptera and is located at the U.S. National Museum.
Continuing education courses provide a unique opportunity to learn natural science from experts. Taught at an introductory college level, they are open to anyone seeking an introduction to various areas of the sciences as well as those familiar with the subjects who wish to broaden and update their knowledge. The courses also provide an excellent opportunity for motivated junior high and high school students to supplement their current science courses and to help prepare them for further study in these fields at a college level. The courses are appropriate as well for teachers seeking to expand their knowledge.
