Print Syllabus

Syllabus

PLS0038 Insect Chemical Ecology, 7.5 Credits

Subjects

Biology Biology

Education cycle

Postgraduate level

Grading scale

Prior knowledge

PhD student in chemical ecology or related areas

Objectives

Presentation of a broad overview of the field of insect chemical ecology –

from theory and basic research to various applications. The course will

deepen the student’s own subject specific knowledge as well as broaden the

scope of his/her knowledge in various related (sub)disciplines.

Insect chemical ecology is a rapidly expanding and diversifying field. It is

increasingly difficult for students to grasp the field as a whole and to

capitalize on the theoretical and technological advances made within and

outside ICE. It is our ambition to bridge this gap with this course.

Content

The course’s primary focus will be on the following subjects: plant-insect and

plant-plant interactions, pheromone communication, communication in social

insects, olfactory receptors, odor processing, evolution of communication,

physiological and chemical methods, insects and disease, new and

upcoming applications, and robotics.

Formats and requirements for examination

1. Oral presentation of own research + mini research project.

2. Having read literature and demonstrate such through active

participation in all literature seminars + responsibility for leading at

least one.

3. Participation in all events.

4. Writing a reflective journal on the learning experiences / useful insights

for each TLA element in the course.

Additional information

The course employs a diverse suit of TLAs, including lectures, student

presentations (both poster and oral), literature discussion seminars, lab

demonstrations and exercises, and a mini research project.

Lectures are given by well-known experts ensuring an up-to-date overview of the field and encouraging active participation. During literature seminars in smaller groups lecture elements are further worked out, discussed and applied to research interests within the group. These seminars are essential in digesting the course material and engaging the students in reflective

learning. Presentation skills are practised through oral and poster

presentations of the students’ own PhD project. These skills are also practised as part of the mini project. The mini project is further meant to familiarize a student with new techniques and report on it to fellow students.

Much of this intensive course relies on the social and (semi)informal interactions with fellow students and lecturers during e.g. the field trip, the poster presentations, the literature seminar, the lab work, the lunch and dinner breaks etc. The network lowers thresholds due to differences in educational backgrounds and experience, enhances deep learning, and

encourages a student to apply new thinking/techniques (from one of the fellow students) to one’s own research area. The contacts created duringthe course will in many instances be invaluable for later moments in the students’ careers.

Note: at the end of the course, students can stay on for post course workshops (2-3 days) on fly genetics, chemical analysis, is not part of the 7.5 ECTS. More ‘hands-on’ days has been asked for by many students in past evaluations. Since this cannot be fitted within the course itself, we have placed it directly after the course. This is part facultative.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Protection Biology