PLS0038, Insect Chemical Ecology, 7.5 Hp
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Kursplan

Fastställd av: Vicedekan FU-LTV, 2023-05-11
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Nivå

Forskarnivå

Ämne

Biologi

Betygsskala

Kraven för kursens olika betygsgrader framgår av betygskriterier, som ska finnas tillgängliga senast vid kursstart.

Kursspråk

Engelska

Behörighetskrav

Mål

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.

At the end of the course, a student should be able to:

• Descibe and illustrate the diversity and evolution of the interactions between chemical stimuli and insect behaviour and ecology.
• Explain how chemical stimuli may be used in insect pest management.
• Describe in detail the layout and function of the olfactory circuit at different levels of integration (from perireceptor events to behavioural output).
• Translate advances in insect chemical ecology into applications in one's own research domain.

Innehåll

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.

Examinationsformer

1. Each lecturer provides one article for the literature discussion, which will have to be studied as a preparation for the course 2. Students will be divided in groups for the literature discussions at the end of each day (8 out f 10 days) 3. Each student will have to prepare an abstract, a poster, a 5 min plenary presentation, and a poster presentation about their own research (second day of the course). 4. Each student is obliged to select minimally 3 lectures of their interest, and write for each of them a one page referenced summary, including a reflection on the significance of the lecture/topic in terms of their own research subject / perspective / direction. This needs to be filed with the course leaders before the end of June.

Ansvarig institution eller motsvarande

Institutionen för växtskyddsbiologi

Kompletterande uppgifter

Övrig 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 during the course will in many instances be invaluable for later moments in the students’ careers.

For questions please contact the course responsible: Paul Becher paul.becher@slu.se or Rickard Ignell rickard.ignell@slu.se