SPRING SEMESTER 2006
SPRING SEMESTER 2006
Click here for Lecture syllabus
Click here for Lab syllabus
DESCRIPTION:
This course is a detailed study of the physiology and biochemistry of insect organ systems. Topics include: circulation, digestion, respiration, excretion, hormonal regulation, pheromones, intermediary metabolism, and nerve and muscle physiology. The laboratory exercises will provide exposure to instrumentation, techniques, and principles of insect physiological research.
Prerequisites: ENT 5114, CHEM 2535-2536 and 2545-2546. (3H, 3L, 4C).
CLASS OF STUDENTS:
Graduate students in entomology and related curricula.
GRADING CRITERIA:
Grades will be assigned on the basis of student performance on examinations given during the semester, and performance on laboratory projects. The weight given to each examination may vary, but will be proportional to the amount of subject matter covered.
HONOR SYSTEM POLICIES:
Current policies of the University will be observed.
COURSE EVALUATION AND FINAL EXAMINATION PROCEDURES:
The course evaluation form approved by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will be used as prescribed. The final examination will be administered as directed by University policies and is scheduled on the appropriate timetable.
LECTURE: MWF, 9:00-9:50 a.m., Room 221, Price Hall
LABORATORY: W, 1:25 - 4:10 p.m., to be arranged
INSTRUCTORS:
J. R. Bloomquist, Room 205A, Price Hall, ex. 1-6129, jbquist@vt.edu
D. E. Mullins, Room 319B, Price Hall, ex. 1-5978, mullinsd@vt.edu
TEXTBOOK:
Nation J. L. 2002. Insect Physiology and Biochemistry. CRC Press. QL495.N37; ISBN 0-8493-1181-0
OTHER REFERENCES:
Chapman, R. F. 1982. The Insects: Structure and Function. 3rd Ed. Harvard University
Press. 919 pp. ISBN 0-764-87535-4
Chapman, R. F. 1998. The Insects: Structure and Function. 4th Ed. Harvard University
Press. 770 pp. QL463.C48; ISBN 0-5215-7890-6
Kerkut, G. A. and Gilbert, L. L. (Eds.) 1985. Comprehensive Insect Physiology,
Biochemistry, and Pharmacology. Vols 1-13, Pergamon Press. QL495 C64 1985; ISBN
0-0803-0763-9
Nijhout F. 1994. Insect Hormones. Princeton University Press. QL495.N54 1994
LECTURE SCHEDULE:
Dr. Bloomquist
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| 1 |
Jan. 18 | Class Introduction, Neurons and ganglia |
| 2 - 4 |
Jan. 20, 23, & 25 |
Biophysical basis for resting/action potentials |
| 5 - 7 |
Jan. 27, 30 & Feb. 1 |
Synaptic transmission and neurotransmitters |
| 8 - 9 |
Feb. 3 & 6 |
Muscle physiology |
| EXAM |
Feb. 8 (lab period) |
Topics: Lectures 1 - 9 (no lecture that day) |
| 10 - 11 |
Feb. 10 & 13 |
Sensory physiology (mechanoreceoption/vision) |
| 12 - 13 |
Feb. 15 & 17 |
Sensory physiology (gustation & olfaction) |
| 14 - 15 |
Feb. 20 & 22 |
The exocring system |
| 16 - 17 |
Feb. 24 & 27 |
The endocrine systems |
| EXAM |
Mar. 1 (lab period) |
Topics: Lectures 10 - 17 (no lecture that day) |
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| 1 - 3 |
Mar. 13, 15 & 17 |
Introduction, The Integument:
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| 4 - 5 |
Mar. 20 & 22 |
Reproduction:
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| 6 - 8 |
Mar. 24, 27 & 29 |
Excretion:
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| 9 - 11 |
Mar. 31, Apr. 3 & 5 |
Digestion and nutrition:
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| EXAM 3 |
Apr. 12 (lab period) |
Topics: Lectures 1 - 11 will be covered during this exam. |
| 12 - 16 |
Apr. 7, 10, 12, 14 & 17 |
Hemolymph and immune responses:
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| 17 - 19 |
Apr. 19, 21, & 24 |
Respiration:
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| 20 - 22 |
Apr. 26, 28 & May 1 |
Metabolism & Biochemistry:
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| 23 |
May 3 |
Wrap Up |
| EXAM 4 |
May 9 |
Topics: Lectures ---12 - 23 & laboratory exercise materials |
LABORATORY_SCHEDULE:
Dr.Bloomquist
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| 1 |
Jan. 18 |
Introduction/Neurocytology |
| 2 |
Jan. 25 |
Axonal conduction |
| 3 |
Feb. 1 |
Resting Potential-Muscle |
| 4 |
Feb. 8 |
Lecture Exam |
| 5 |
Feb. 15 |
Synaptic transmission within the CNS |
| 6 |
Feb. 22 |
Mechanoreceptors |
| 7 | Mar 1 | Lecture final |
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Topics
click here for Laboratory arrangements
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| 1 |
Mar. 15 |
Insect Cuticle: Observations Using Scanning Electron Microscopy
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2 |
Mar. 22 |
Quantitative techniques
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| 3 |
Mar. 29 |
Insect Excretion and Pigmentation
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| 4 |
Apr. 5 |
Insect Cold Hardiness
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| 5 |
Apr. 12 |
Lecture midterm (Lectures 1-11; see above) |
| 6 |
Apr. 19 |
Insect Nutrition |
| 7 | Apr. 26 | Insect Bioluminescence Thermal death point
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*Lab topical areas: Insect proteins, cold hardiness, energy metabolism (luminescence), digestion/absorption, etc.
GRADING:
Dr. Bloomquist’s grades will be determined from performance on exam 1
(40%), exam 2 (40%) and on written lab reports (20%).
Dr. Mullins’ grades will be determined from student performance as follows:
exam 1 (40%), exam 2 (40%), and laboratory (20%). The lab scores will be based
on preparation and presentation of student laboratories (10%) and on written
lab reports (10%).
Final grades will be assigned on the average of performance in both parts of
the course.
