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Topics in Insect Diversity - Syllabus
Instructor
David Maddison
Marley 741J
Entomology
621-9781
beetle@ag.arizona.edu
Course Goals
This is an advanced course which will provide an overview of a selection of topics in insect diversity. Both the patterns of insect diversity (diversity in numbers of species, in morphological form, in molecules, behavior, ecological interactions, etc.) and the processes that generated those patterns will be covered. The goals include both learning about insects, as well as gaining a critical eye toward the primary literature.
Office hours
By appointment (talk to me in class, or contact me by phone/e-mail).
Expectations and Grades
Grades will be based upon three items: handing in of weekly summary/critique, weekly participation in class, and by fulfillment of duties for the week in which a student directs the seminar.
Each student will be responsible for directing one session (undergrads may opt to do this in pairs). This involves:
- choice of a topic (in consultation with me)
- choice of 2-3 papers for class reading
- meeting with me the week before the class to discuss the topic
- preparation of a World Wide Web page listing references on the topic; graduate students will be expected to have a comprehensive list; undergraduates a listing of 6-10 references, to be ready two days before the class
- preparation of a page-long list of questions, to be handed out to the class, designed to stimulate discussion
- presentation of a 15 minute (graduate students) or 10 minute (undergrads if done singly; 15 minutes if done in pairs) overview of the topic at the start of the class
- assistance in leading the discussion (the student and I will be co-leaders of the discussion)
In addition, every student will prepare a 1-page summary of the readings for each week. Late summaries will not be accepted.
Other Requirements
I will use e-mail to communicate official course messages to the class. Therefore, you will need an e-mail account, and you should use it regularly.