Basic Entomology
- Sciences
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 78 pages
- 4 units
This course provides a basic understanding of insects, their evolution, classification, and distribution. It explores the organization of external features, body organs, and systems, as well as the caste composition of social insects. Students will learn about the beneficial and detrimental effects of insects, their identification, and their behavioral adaptations. The course also covers insect pests of human dwellings and structures.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 78 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, practical
- Practical work
- No
- Basic Biology
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of BIO407, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
BIO407 · UNIT 2 CLASSIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF INSECTS
It is evident that insects were the first small animals to inhabit the land with complete success, having evolved from creature that probably looked like our present- day earthworms.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the evolutionary history of insects.
- Classify insects into their respective orders and families.
- Describe the external and internal anatomy of insects.
- Explain the physiological processes that maintain insect life.
- Analyze the social behavior of termites and bees.
- Assess the ecological roles of insects.
What it prepares you for
- Entomologist
- Pest Control Specialist
- Agricultural Scientist
- Zoologist
- Research Scientist
- Agriculture
- Public Health
- Environmental Conservation
- Pest Management
- Research
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2:
Unit 1: Organisation of External Structure
Requires detailed understanding of complex anatomical structures and their functional adaptations.
- Module 2:
Unit 2: Maintenance and Locomotion
Involves understanding of interdependent physiological systems and their simultaneous functions.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 58 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Insect Evolution · 2 hours
Read the introduction to insect evolution.. List the characteristics of insects.. Discuss the evolvement of insects..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Classification and Distribution of Insects · 2 hours
Explain similarities in members of the same species.. Identify insect specimens.. Assign a binomial nomenclature to each insect..
- Week 3Module 2:
Unit 1: Organisation of External Structure · 2 hours
Define tagmatisation in insects.. State the three body segments in insects.. Draw and discuss the main features on the insect head..
- Week 4Module 2:
Unit 2: Maintenance and Locomotion · 2 hours
Explain feeding in insects.. Explain the functioning of the excretory system in insects.. Describe the functioning of the tracheal system in gaseous exchange of insects..
- Week 5Module 2:
Unit 3: Social Insects · 2 hours
Explain what social insects are.. Distinguish between termites and ants.. Name and draw the various castes in termite community..
- Week 6Module 1:
Unit 1: Insect Evolution · 3 hours
Review Module 1: Insect Evolution and Classification. Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment for Module 1.
Unit 2: Classification and Distribution of Insects · 3 hours
Review Module 1: Insect Evolution and Classification. Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment for Module 1.
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 1: Organisation of External Structure · 3 hours
Review Module 2: External Structure and Maintenance. Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment for Module 2.
Unit 2: Maintenance and Locomotion · 3 hours
Review Module 2: External Structure and Maintenance. Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment for Module 2.
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 3: Social Insects · 6 hours
Review Module 2: Social Insects. Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment for Module 2.
- Week 9Module 1:
Unit 1: Insect Evolution · 4 hours
Revise the characteristics of insects and their evolution.. Practice identifying different insect species based on their features..
Unit 2: Classification and Distribution of Insects · 2 hours
Review the beneficial and detrimental effects of insects.. Prepare notes on the classification and distribution of insects..
- Week 10Module 2:
Unit 1: Organisation of External Structure · 4 hours
Study the different types of mouth parts and their functions.. Understand the modifications of wings in insects..
Unit 2: Maintenance and Locomotion · 2 hours
Revise the individual organ systems and their functions.. Understand the processes of feeding, digestion, respiration, and circulation..
- Week 11Module 2:
Unit 3: Social Insects · 6 hours
Focus on the caste composition and biological roles of social insects.. Understand the behavioral adaptations of termites and honey bees..
- Week 12Module 1:
Unit 1: Insect Evolution · 6 hours
Comprehensive review of Module 1 topics.. Focus on key concepts and definitions related to insect evolution and classification..
- Week 13Module 2:
Unit 1: Organisation of External Structure · 6 hours
Comprehensive review of Module 2 topics.. Focus on key concepts related to insect structure, maintenance, and social behavior..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and their solutions.
- Create detailed notes on each unit, focusing on key terms and concepts.
- Practice classifying insects using identification keys and online resources.
- Draw diagrams of insect anatomy to reinforce understanding of structures.
- Form study groups to discuss challenging topics and share insights.
- Allocate specific time slots for revision each day leading up to the exam.
- Focus on understanding the life cycles and behaviors of major insect groups.
- Practice answering past exam questions to get familiar with the format and difficulty level.
Questions students ask about this course
What is BIO407 about?
This course provides a basic understanding of insects, their evolution, classification, and distribution. It explores the organization of external features, body organs, and systems, as well as the caste composition of social insects. Students will learn about the beneficial and detrimental effects of insects, their identification, and their behavioral adaptations. The course also covers insect pests of human dwellings and structures.
How many units does BIO407 have?
BIO407, Basic Entomology, has 4 units across 2 modules, over 78 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is BIO407?
BIO407 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.
Is BIO407 hard?
BIO407 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work.
How long does BIO407 take to study?
About 78 hours of study, spread across its 4 units.
How is BIO407 assessed?
BIO407 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What do I need before starting BIO407?
Basic Biology
What can I do with BIO407?
Entomologist, Pest Control Specialist, Agricultural Scientist, Zoologist and Research Scientist.