Entomology is a basic and applied science of the study of insects and other arthropods such as ticks and mites. Insects are the most numerous and diverse life on earth and they are essential components of virtually every terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem. Whereas human society benefits directly and indirectly from the varied roles of the vast majority of insects such as pollination, some species may become limiting factors in the production, processing and storage of our food and fiber crops, and to the health humans and animals. The knowledge and skill sets of entomology are essential for the implementation of integrated pest management strategies designed to safely and efficiently produce food for a continuously expanding world population and to control the transmission of insect-borne diseases, while at the same time protecting our environment. Additionally, entomological research can also give us broader insights into the ecology, evolution, and social behavior of animals.
This minor provides students with experience in entomology, a greater appreciation of arthropods, and aids in preparing them for careers in entomology. It provides adequate academic credits to meet most federal and state certification requirements for employment by EPA, USFS, USFW, state agencies, and local agencies. Finally, the minor prepares the student seeking post baccalaureate degrees with formal entomological training and coursework that is desired for many research projects for either MS and PhD programs.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Describe, assess, analyze, and synthesize knowledge about arthropod evolution, ecology, physiology, and biotechnology.
- Integrate skills and knowledge to solve problems related to arthropods in natural and managed ecosystems.
- Demonstrate understanding of the social, economic, and biophysical aspects of arthropods in ecosystems.
Advising
Reach out to Chris Amerman to schedule an appointment to change your major/minor. The change of major form can be electronically submitted by a student's main advisor to the Registrar's Office.
- Individualized Appointment with Advisor: Link for Scheduling
Our majors and minors have no competitive entry requirements. Courses to take if you are interested in the programs include AB 111, BSPM 102, BSPM 302, BSPM 308, and BSPM 361. Students interested in our program should ideally declare in the first two years, but exceptions can be made depending on the student's previous coursework.
For more information, please visit the Department of Agricultural Biology website.
Effective Fall 2023
Students must satisfactorily complete the total credits required for the minor. Minors and interdisciplinary minors require 12 or more upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits.
Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division | ||
| Select one group from the following: | 7-8 | |
Group A: | ||
| Principles of Animal Biology (GT-SC2) | ||
| Principles of Plant Biology (GT-SC1) | ||
Group B: | ||
| Attributes of Living Systems (GT-SC1) | ||
| Biology of Organisms-Animals and Plants (GT-SC1) | ||
| Upper Division | ||
| BSPM 302 | Applied and General Entomology | 2 |
| Select a minimum of 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Insect Biotechnology | ||
| Understanding Pesticides | ||
| Integrated Pest Management | ||
| Entomology Laboratory: General | ||
| Parasitology and Vector Biology | ||
| Internship | ||
or BSPM 495 | Independent Study | |
| Applied Insect Ecology | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 21-22 | |