Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To provide training in laboratory and field identification skills for insects, to teach students to appreciate insect diversity. To provide an understanding of the biology and ecology of insects, and also cover conservation and control of key species.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module is organised into 3 themes:



1. Insect Evolution and Diversity

Origin of insects.

Insect identification and lifecycles.

Insect systematics.



2. Insect Biology

Feeding and digestion.

Insect systems (gaseous exchange, nervous and circulatory systems).

Insect sociality.



3. Insect Ecology

Ecosystem services and Conservation.

Insects and food security.

Climate change and habitat loss.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

PC1 Knowledge application (developed and assessed): Interpret detailed biological evidence and concepts and apply this knowledge to critically evaluate key issues in the discipline including its applied contexts (the identification, biology and ecology of insects).

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students should have gained the following competencies:



PC2 Information Literacy (developed and assessed): Critically analyse and evaluate scientific literature to provide an answer to a question with an uncertain answer.



PC3 Practical skills (developed and assessed): Assume some level of responsibility for experimental design in a moderately structured setting using appropriate scientific methods to collect data. Field and laboratory insect identification will be taught as part of a field trip to Cockle Park farm. Insect and data handling skills will form part of practical sessions in the laboratory.



PC4 Data literacy (developed and assessed): Find, evaluate, visualise, analyse and interpret data appropriately in a moderately structured environment. Apply data management techniques appropriate to your discipline in a moderately structured environment. The practical exercises emphasise features of the ecology, structure and behaviour of insects, whilst enhancing essential skills in data recording and scientific report writing.



PC7 Ethics literacy (developed): Assume some level of responsibility for compliance with relevant ethical concepts that apply to more detailed scientific knowledge and your own work with guidance as relevant to the discipline of study, in a moderately structured environment.



PC10 Integrated Problem Solving (developed and assessed): Demonstrate and show resilience in applying problem solving approaches to complex questions using evidence to support the decisions, recognising that there may be more than one solution. Workshops will develop critical thinking and group working skills.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

A summer field course that tkes place before the start of semester 1 of stage 2 will provide training in insect identification, and provide knowledge about insect evolution, lifecycles and systematics. Follow up practicals will develop insect and data handling skills. Lectures will provide the framework and theory for appreciation and knowledge of insect biology and ecology. Workshops will hone critical thinking skills. Directed reading and links to further information will encourage individual learning and will contribute to greater understanding of the topics within the module.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Practical assessments will provide an opportunity for students to display their new entomological skills. The written exam will help students to demonstrate competences around critical thinking and problem solving.

General Notes

N/A