NES2310 : Insect Biology and Ecology
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Professor Giles Budge
- Lecturer: Dr Mark Shirley, Dr Jordan Cuff, Dr Roy Sanderson
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
- Capacity limit: 60 student places
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
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.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Core lecture |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Preparation for main exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Completing report for practical 2 |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Refreshing content for quizzes |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 3 | 0:30 | 1:30 | Introductions to practicals |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Practicals including the summative practical report. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Workshops to reinforce key principles and critical thinking |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 5 | 8:00 | 40:00 | Each student completes a one week in person field course. This take place during the summer before that start of Semester 1 |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 59:30 | 59:30 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Introductory / orientation lecture to get students familiar with format and delivery of module. |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 1 | A | 60 | Short essay style |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 40 | A combination of the insect collection submitted in the summer, an assessment of the notebook, and a multiple-choice assessment on the outcomes of the practical. |
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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES2310's Timetable