In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences .
Course Offerings
The Entomology curriculum provides students with a basic background in biological and physical sciences, with a special emphasis on the study of insects. The majority of majors pursue graduate studies in entomology or related sciences upon completion of the B.S. degree. Alternatively, students may immediately begin careers in various aspects of basic or applied insect biology, including integrated pest management, insect pathology, environmental assessment, medical or veterinary entomology, insect toxicology, apiculture, insect systematics, or insect ecology. Because of the diversity of career options, the major includes flexibility among the core requirements and electives that can be selected by students in consultation with their advisors.
Teaching Faculty
Patrick O’Grady, chair (2126 Comstock Hall, (607) 255-7723); A. Agrawal, N. Buchon, M. Caillaud, B. Danforth, C. Gilbert, L. Harrington, B. Lazzaro, G. Loeb, J. Losey, C. Moreau, C. Murdock, K. Poveda, L. Rayor, J. Scott, J. Thaler
Program Information
Learning Outcomes:
Upon graduating with the Entomology major, students will be able to:
- Identify principles, ways of thinking, and modes of analysis in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
- Design basic statistical analyses and evaluate basic statistical information.
- Apply and judge the scientific method in conducting inquiry-based research in the laboratory and in the field.
- Comprehend the primary literature in entomology and critically evaluate information in primary research articles.
- Apply concepts and analytical approaches in evolutionary biology, genetics and two other areas of biology of the student’s choice.
- Demonstrate phylogenetic “tree thinking” and be able to categorize insects based on basic ecological, behavioral, morphological, physiological, or developmental attributes.
- Examine insects deeply within a biological level of analysis and compare strategies used by different groups.
- Identify the potential impact of different insect species on agriculture, human health, and society in general and be knowledgeable about potential control strategies.
- Locate, comprehend and synthesize information important for informed decisions about broader issues in our society.
- Effectively communicate in written, oral, and graphical form.
Requirements:
In addition to the major requirements outlined below, all students must meet the college graduation requirements . All entomology courses are taught in person, in Ithaca and must be completed with a grade of C- or better, or with a grade of S, unless otherwise noted. No prerequisite courses are necessary before declaring this major as first-years. Physical Sciences 17-21 credits and Introductory Life Science 19-23 credits.
- One semester of statistics or biometry—
- One semester of physics (may need two depending on future plans)—excluding any 1200 level course for non-science majors.
Two courses from two of the following three areas:
Biochemistry
Cell biology
Physiology
Entomology Requirements (15–21 credits):
Group A (core courses):
Choose two of the following courses. If ENTOM 3030 , ENTOM 4550 or ENTOM 4830 have been used to satisfy the core requirements above, they may not be used to satisfy the Group A or B requirements:
Two additional entomology courses from Groups A or B:
(For a complete list of Entomology Courses, please visit our course list on the Entomology home page.)
Group B (advanced electives):
Minor:
Requirements for a Minor in Entomology are completion (with a grade of C- or better) of at least three courses, totaling a minimum of 10 credits, including: ENTOM 2120 - Insect Biology (4 credits), one course from Group A (above) and one additional course from Group A or B (above). Any undergraduate student in CALS is eligible to enroll in the Minor.
Entomology Research Honors Program:
The research honors program in entomology may be pursued by any qualified student in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.