Teaching by the entomology department reflects the broad nature of the departmental mission, ranging from basic aspects of arthropod ecology, morphology, parasitology, physiology, systematics and toxicology to applied subjects in apiculture, agricultural, medical and veterinary pest management.
We offer a wide range of introductory courses aimed at informing and exciting undergraduates about arthropod biology, comprehensive courses for training of undergraduate majors, and advanced course work for outstanding graduate student education. All courses are designed to complement, rather than duplicate, ongoing programs in other departments or divisions at Cornell.
Students studying insects also have a diversity of interests depending upon their career path. Nevertheless, there are common learning goals and objectives that we will help students to achieve through their diverse coursework regardless of their future direction.
| Goals | Learning Outcomes | How Do We Assess This |
|---|---|---|
| To have a working knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and physics | Identify principles, ways of thinking, and modes of analysis in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. | Grades in college math courses, general and organic chemistry, and introductory physics |
| To have a working knowledge of statistical methods | Design basic statistical analyses and evaluate basic statistical information. | Grade in an introductory statistics course |
| To have hands-on experience with biological research methods and tools | Apply and judge the scientific method in conducting inquiry-based research in the laboratory and in the field. | Laboratory and field experiments and reports in Entom 2120, 4830, 4550; Reading and discussions in 3310/3311, 4700; Problem sets in 4700 |
| To be conversant with scientific literature, especially the literature related to insect biology | Comprehend the primary literature in entomology and to be able to critically evaluate information in primary research articles | Final papers and projects in Entom 3311, 4830; Discussion of primary literature in Entom 3310/3311, 4830, 4700 |
| To know and use fundamental concepts and information in several core areas of biology | Be able to apply concepts and analytical approaches in evolutionary biology, genetics and two other areas of biology of the student's choice. | Grades and performance in core biology classes (e.g., BioG 1500, BioGD 2810, BioEE 2780, BioG 1610, 1440, or 1350). |
| To understand basic insect biology, as well as natural history and evolutionary relationships of insect orders and families | Demonstrate phylogenetic "tree thinking" and be able to categorize insects based on basic ecological, behavioral, morphological, physiological, or developmental attributes. | Insect collections in Entom 2120, 3311; Laboratory exercises in Entom 2120; 3310/3311; Final project in Entom 3310/3311 |
| To have a deeper understanding of several aspects of the biology of insects | Examine insects deeply within a biological level of analysis and compare strategies used by different groups | Final papers and projects in Entom 3310/3311, 4440, 4550, 4830 (Group A classes) |
| To appreciate the impact that insects have (both positive and negative) on human society, including human health, agriculture, and the environment | Identify the potential impact of different insect species on agriculture, human health, and society in general; and be knowledgeable about potential control strategies | Final papers, projects, and grades in Entom 2100, 3410, 4440 |
| To explain, critically evaluate, and effectively interpret claims, theories, and assumptions in biology | Locate, comprehend and synthesize information important for informed decisions about broader issues in our society | Term papers and writing projects in Entom 2011, 2100; In-class discussions in Entom 3410; Debates in 2011, 3410 |
| Communicate scientific arguments and ideas clearly and explicitly through writing, speech, and graphical media | Effectively communicate in written, oral, and graphical form | Term papers and writing projects in Entom 2011, 2100, 2120,3410; Debates 2011, 3410; Classroom presentations in 3350 |
Value, and demonstrate an understanding of, diverse perspectives in entomological science and application when meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders; identify how racism, bias, and exclusion impedes effective engagement and participation; and help to create inclusive learning and working environments. | Term papers, lectures, readings, and class discussions in Entom 2100, 2120, 2440, 3350, 3410, 4000, 4520, 4550, 7640, 7670 |