Graduate Courses

During ontogeny, organisms constantly have to adjust their physiology in response to the environment they encounter. This course will provide an integrative understanding of life history evolution from the perspective of the constraints imposed by their underlying physiology. We will emphasize how physiological tradeoffs at the level of the whole organism ultimately define an organism's life history and fitness. The course will provide students with a conceptual approach to the integration of whole-organism physiology underlying life history traits. Relevant physiological, evolutionary and ecological background necessary to understand the concepts discussed will be given in lecture. Course will focus primarily on insects and will also use examples from other animals. Graduate-level requirements include a 5 page essay requiring independent reading and development of a conceptual framework of how the topics discussed in the course tie into the natural life history of their organism. Grades are based on sophistication and logical structure of thinking.

Biology of host-parasite relationships with emphasis on parasites of veterinary and human importance. Parasite morphology and physiology, life cycles, epidemiology, pathogenesis and zoonotic potential. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on the molecular biology/immune response of a single parasite.

This course examines the taxonomy, ecology, evolution, and conservation of aquatic insects. Having a basic understanding of aquatic entomology will be useful for students interested in aquatic ecology, fisheries biology, water quality monitoring, conservation biology, and/or outdoor recreation (e.g. fly fishing). Active learning is a major focus of the course, and includes observing, documenting, and collecting aquatic insects in the lab and field.

Introductory and advanced statistical methods and their applications in ecology. Focuses on how research design dictates choice of statistical models; explores principles and pitfalls of hypothesis testing.

[Taught alternate years] Principles and methods of insect systematics. A review of the evolution of insects, with an emphasis on their phylogenetic relationships. Practice in identification of adult and immature insects, especially those from Arizona.

How have vertebrate immune systems evolved from simple origins? We will cover comparative immunology of prokaryotes, protozoans, plants, fungi, invertebrates, and "lower" vertebrates. By studying the origins and evolution of immunity across the history of life, and following the progression of immune system complexity across different lineages, we begin to see patterns that help explain how our immune system developed from those of our ancestors. Such comparative study will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of our immune system, and point to ways in which other organisms have overcome the same pathogenic stresses we currently face. This class will pull together data from many fields, including immunology, molecular and cell biology, ecology, and evolution. Graduate students will prepare and give one oral presentation of a specific topic to the class, which will be graded.

An overview of medically important arthropods and the diseases they transmit. Special attention will be paid to newly emerging and locally important vectors and diseases. Basic coursework in biology or entomology is required. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth review article on a relevant topic of medical entomology. The paper (15 to 20 pages of double-spaced text, including references) should be written in the same form and bibliographic style as articles in the Annual Review of Entomology. Spelling, grammar, sentence and paragraph construction, and overall organization will be considered for the grade.

Principles underlying the management of arthropods in agricultural systems. Graduate-level requirements include an additional report.

Detailed introduction to the biology of nerve cells, emphasizing cellular neurophysiology, synaptic mechanisms, and analysis of neural development.

The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports, and/or papers. The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports, and/or papers.

Integrated Pest Management Principles, methods, and practices commonly used in controlled environment agriculture operations. Includes hands on monitoring and identification of pests in the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) teaching/research greenhouses.

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.

Introduction to epidemiologic methods used in infectious disease investigations. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the relationships between the host, the parasite and the environment as they relate disease causation.

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.

Research rotations in the laboratories of faculty members within the Entomology & Insect Science program. May not be repeated with the same faculty member.