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751-5121-00L 2 Credits MSC D-USYS , D-BIOL

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Insect Ecology

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Consuelo De Moraes, Dr. Nina Stanczyk

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:00:33

Abstract

This is an introductory class on insect ecology. During the course you will learn about insect interactions with, and adaptations to, their environment and other organisms, and the importance of insect roles in our ecosystems. This course includes lectures, small group discussions and outside readings.

Objective

The aim of the course is to gain an understanding of how insects have specialised and adapted to occupy diverse environmental niches and become vital to ecosystem processes. Important topics include: insect-plant interactions, chemical ecology, predator-prey interactions, vectors of disease, social insects, mutual and parasitic interactions and examining insect ecology in an evolutionary context.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Provided to students through Moodle

Literature

Selected required readings (peer reviewed literature). Optional recommended readings with additional information.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Grading will be based on a mid-term exam and final exam (50% each). Examination questions will be based on content discussed in lectures, lecture notes, required reading and small group discussions.Students may also complete an optional task to take a photo of an insect interaction and submit a short report on it for a 0.25 bonus grade.

Registration & Places

Signup End: 20.09.2022

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Insect Ecology	Tue 14:15-16:00 (LFW C 4)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Biology Master
- Elective Major Subject Areas
  - Elective Major: Ecology and Evolution
    - Elective Compulsory Master Courses
  - Elective Major: Molecular Plant Biology
    - Elective Compulsory Master Courses
Agricultural Sciences Master
- Major in Plant Sciences
  - Disciplinary Competences
    - Crop Health
- Minors
  - Crop Health (This minor will only be offered in the academic year 22/23. As of the academic year 23/24, the minor can no longer be chosen. The course units offered in the minor can still be taken as electives.)
  - General Crop Science (This minor will only be offered in the academic year 22/23. As of the academic year 23/24, the minor can no longer be chosen. The course units offered in the minor can still be taken as electives.)