Environmental Science Policy and Management

Chemical composition of pesticides and related compounds, their mode of action, resistance mechanisms, and methods of evaluating their safety and activity.

Field observation, recording and interpretation of insect relationships to habitats, their behavior and plant-insect interactions. Collection and preparation of specimens with important biological data.

Laboratory identification of the major arthropod vectors of disease agents to humans and other animals, and study of the structural adaptations associated with free-living and parasitic stages and with blood feeding.

The role of insects and other arthropods in the transmission and causation of diseases in humans and domestic animals, including the geographical areas and types of ecosystems inhabited by various species and the structural/behavioral adaptations associated with parasitism. Examples of vector-borne diseases considered include malaria, yellow fever, plague, typhus, filariasis, African and American trypanosomiasis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, relapsing fevers

This course will focus on the ecology and epidemiology of zoonotic disease agents transmitted to humans by arthropods. Basic principles will be discussed, and techniques for conducting field and laboratory studies will be demonstrated. Includes methods for collecting bloodsucking arthropods and trapping selected vertebrates; processing of specimens for study; and examination of arthropod and vertebrate tissues for pathogens.

A survey of the unique physiological mechanisms of insects, including the analysis of physiological systems at the cellular-molecular level. The roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in coordinating physiological processes are emphasized.

Biology of insects, including classification of orders and common families, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology.

Examine the biology and ecology of forest insects and pathogens; their impacts on forest ecosystems, and their interactions with other disturbances. Explore forest health concepts in terms of the frequencies and severities of these disturbances from utilitarian and ecosystem perspectives

Study of various host-parasite, prey-predator systems, especially those of significance to agriculture, forestry, urban, and recreational environments. Implementation of biological control methods involving importation, augmentation, and conservation of natural enemies

Study of the influence of fire, insects, and diseases on species diversity, succession, and the survival of North American forests including the evolution of these interactions due to modern human policies of preservation and management and exploitation.