ENV BIOL 3011 - Evolution and Diversity of Insects III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2016

After a brief review covering the internal anatomy of insects and the processes involved in metamorphosis, excretion and reproduction, a number of specific topics will be explored in more detail, including: morphological and biological characteristics of the major insect orders; life histories of selected pest and beneficial species; sociality, caste formation and nest building in termites; sound production methods and functions; feeding mechanisms; adaptations and biology of vertebrate ectoparasites; insects as disease vectors of plants and animals; production and function of silk in insects and arachnids; mimicry and defensive adaptations; sociality and parasitism in the Hymenoptera. The practical component will examine collecting techniques, identification of adult insects to family level, identification of immature stages and feeding damage. A requirement of the course is the presentation of a well-curated insect collection.

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Course Details

Course Code	ENV BIOL 3011
Course	Evolution and Diversity of Insects III
Coordinating Unit	School of Biological Sciences
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 6 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Assumed Knowledge	ENV BIOL 2503 or equivalent
Assessment	Exams, Insect collection

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Professor Andrew Austin

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

A successful student in this course should be able to:
1	explain the biology and classification of insects at family level, particularly species of environmental and economic importance
2	explore the current theories in insect biology which attempt to explain the origins, functions and ecological significance of mimicry, sociality, defence strategies and parasitis
3	develop the skill required to properly collect and identify adult insects to family level, and to identify the damage they cause to plants
4	develop time and organisational management skills by undertaking a semester long project
5	work within a team to achieve project orientated outcomes
6	communicate the results of their project and other work in a clear and concise manner

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	1, 2, 6
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	2, 3
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	3, 4, 5, 6
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Intercultural and ethical competency adept at operating in other cultures comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges	1, 2
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	2, 3, 5

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Text book: The text CSIRO (1991) Insects of Australia - 2nd edition. Melbourne Univ. Press, is used as a manual during practical classes, and as a general reference. This book is now out of print, however we have a number of copies available for use during practicals. Practical material: Notes will be provided and made available via MyUni.

Recommended Resources

Other text books and specific references, including web-based information, will be provided during lectures and/or practicals, and on MyUni

Online Learning

MyUni: Teaching materials and course documentation will be posted on the MyUni website (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/

Learning & Teaching Modes

The course consists of:

2 x 1-hour lecture per week
1 x 4-hour practical per week

As part of this course each student must undertake a project involving the assembly of an insect collection.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).

Learning Activities Summary

	Lectures	Practicals
Week 1	Introduction to the course – insect diversity; insects as pests and beneficial organisms; evolution and phylogeny of arthropods; monophyletic versus polyphyletic evolution of the exoskeleton; relationships among the major arthropod groups (Hexapoda, Crustacea, Chelicerata, etc); impact of molecular phylogenetic studies. External morphology of insects: sclerites and inter-segmental membranes; head (mouthparts and antennae); thorax (legs, wings and wing venation); abdomen (genitalia); holometabolous versus hemimetabolous development.	Collecting techniques, mounting and preparation of specimens for identification; insect collection project; demonstration of insects of economic importance; types of damage caused by insects. Visit to Waite Insect & Nematode Collection
Week 2	Structure and function of the arthropod exoskeleton; running, jumping, swimming and flying (how the arthropod exoskeleton works); structure of cuticle; control and function of moulting; metamorphosis; structure and function of the alimentary tract, nervous system, sensory structures, excretion, reproduction. Apterygote hexapods; Collembola – morphology and biology; life history of Sminthurus viridis; Protura and Diplura – description. Thysanura – morphology, development, pest status; radiation of the pterygote insects	External morphology of insects; adult identification to order.
Week 3	Minor orders: Odonata – morphology, biology and suborders; Ephemeroptera – morphology and biology; Plecoptera – morphology and biology; Blattodea – morphology, biology and pest status; Mantodea – morphology and biology; Phasmatodea – morphology, biology and pest status. Isoptera – modified cockroaches?, morphology, castes, sociality and life cycles, caste determination and developmental pathways, control of caste development, colony foundation, nest construction for protection and environmental control, food, predators, pest status.	Identification of Collembola, Thysanura, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Blattodea, Phasmatodea, Mantodea, Isoptera and Embioptera.
Week 4	Dermaptera – morphology and biology; Embioptera – morphology and biology; Orthoptera – general morphology; stridulatory and auditory organs; general biology; diapause; kentromorphism; migration – locusts versus grasshoppers; pest status and damage; life histories of Austroicetes cruciata; swarm formation in Chortoicetes terminifera. Psocoptera – morphology and biology; Phthiraptera – morphology, suborders, biology and adaptations as ectoparasites of vertebrates, host relationships pest status, life history and control of Damalinia ovis. Thysanoptera – morphology and biology; feeding habits and mouthparts; suborders; general life history; pest status.	Identification of Orthoptera, Dermaptera, Phthiraptera, Thysanoptera, and Psocoptera
Week 5	Hemiptera – general morphology and biology; sucking mouthparts, feeding habits, adaptations of the gut (filter chamber); relationships between major groups; sound production; economic significance; vectors of plant diseases and methods of transmission; suborders - morphology.	Identification of Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Megaloptera, Mecoptera and Siphonaptera
Week 6	Heteroptera – major families and their biology; predatory families; adaptations to aquatic habitats; divisions within the Homoptera (Auchenorrhyncha and Sternorrhyncha), morphological and biological differences; major auchenorrhynchan families; life cycle of cicadas; major groups of Sternorrhyncha; life cycles of aphids in Australia and the northern hemisphere; scale insects (Coccoidea).	Identification of Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Megaloptera, Mecoptera and Siphonaptera
Week 7	Megaloptera – morphology and biology; Neuroptera - morphology and general biology; Hemerobiidae and Chrysopidae as predators of pest insects; specialised families – Mantispidae and Myrmeleontidae; Strepsiptera - morphology and biology. Coleoptera – general morphology: wing folding, larvae, pupae; general biology - diversity of life histories (plant feeders, wood feeders, predators, parasitoids, scavengers, detritivores); sound production; economic importance; suborders; major families and their biology; biological control of dung; adaptations to aquatic habitats; bark beetles (Ips) and Sitona weevil.	Identification of Coleoptera; species of economic importance; identification of immature insects.
Week 8	Coleoptera continued. Mecoptera – morphology and biology; Siphonaptera – morphology, adaptations as ectoparasites of vertebrates (contrast with the Phthiraptera); life cycles; economic and medical importance.	Identification of Stepsiptera and Coleoptera.
Week 9	Diptera – general characteristics and morphology; mouthparts, wings and legs; diversity of life histories; suborders and classification; Nematocera – morphology; major families, species of economic and medical importance; aquatic larvae; life history of Anopheles and malaria; arbovirus vectors in Australia; other families and their importance as disease vectors – Leishmania, Onchocera, etc; Cecidomyiidae (gall midges) – biology. Brachycera - general characteristics, main families; Cyclorrhapha Aschiza – biology of Syrphidae as predators of aphids; Schizophora – morphology and function of the ptilinum; major families and their general biology; life history of fruit flies; general morphology of calyptrate families; biology and adaptations of Tachinidae as a major group of parasitoids; biology and characteristics of the Muscidae; transmission of disease and blood-sucking species; Calliphoridae – life history of Lucilia cuprina, blowfly strike; biology of vertebrate ectoparasites.	Identification of Diptera.
Week 10	Trichoptera – morphology and biology; Lepidoptera – morphology: wing venation, maxillary palps (proboscis), larvae, pupae; general biology: adult versus larval feeding; protective adaptations; mimicry; pheromone production; function of scales; silk; suborders and classification; major families, their biology and economic importance; life histories.	Identification of Diptera and Lepidoptera.
Week 11	Hymenoptera – characteristics, morphology: larvae, ovipositor; sex determination; classification; Symphyta, major families; life history of Sirex noctilio, damage, symbiotic fungus and control; Apocrita: types of parasitism; adaptations of parasitoids, host finding, host regulation; main groups, their host relationships and use as biological control agents; aculeate wasp biology functions of stinging, prey collection, main superfamilies; evolution of social behaviour; biology of highly social groups; importance of the Apoidea as pollinators in natural and agricultural systems; biology of the Formicidae.	Identification of Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera
Week 12	Course summary and examination requirements	Identification of Hymenoptera.
Week 13	Optional. This practical is an opportunity to go back over specimens and/or to work on students collection with staff being present to assist.

Specific Course Requirements

As part of this course each student must undertake a project involving the assembly of an insect collection

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Task Type	Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes	Hurdle (Yes/No)	Outcome Assessed/Achieved
Insect collection	Formative/ Summative	30%	Yes (50%)	1,3,4,5
Mid-term exam	Formative/ Summative	25%	No	1,2,3
Final exam	Summative	25%	No	1,2,3
Practical exam	Summative	20%	No	1,2,3

Assessment Related Requirements

To pass this course, students must obtain a final mark of at least 50% for the insect collection. There will be no opportunity for additional assessment on the insect collection.

Assessment Detail

Insect collection project (30% of total of course grades) As part of this course each student must undertake a project involving the assembly of a collection comprising a minimum of 150 species of insects covering a minimum of 15 orders and 70 families.

Mid-term exam (25% of total of course grades) A 1.5-hour exam will cover material from lectures and practicals in weeks 1-6 and will be held in week 6 practical.

Final Exam (25% of total of course grades) A 1-hour exam will be cover material from lectures and practicals in weeks 7-12 and will be held in the examination period. Final Practical Exam (20% of total of course grades) A 2-hour practical exam will be held in the examination period.

Final Practical Exam (20% of total of course grades) A 2-hour practical exam will be held in the examination period.

Submission

Submission
Extensions of deadlines for assessment tasks may be allowed for reasonable causes. Such
situations would include compassionate and medical grounds of the severity that would
justify the awarding of an additional assessment. Evidence for the grounds must be provided when an extension is requested. Students are required to apply for an extension to
the Course Co-ordinator before the assessment task is due. Extensions will not be
provided on the grounds of poor prioritising of time. The assessment extension application
form can be obtained from: http://www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au/current/

Late submission of assessments
If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator