Insects, Science and Society

3 credits · Undergraduate Programs

Examination of insects as the most diverse and abundant form of animal life on the planet, why they are so successful and how they influence our lives. Topics include how insects are built, what they do, and how they interact with people and have come to be so important economically and culturally, as pests, pollinators, experimental animals, maintaining our environment and forming complex societies. Other topics include evolution of insects, insects in history and culture and how insects can help us address issues such as biological conservation, climate change and animal rights. Prerequisite(s): 24 units. Antirequisite(s): Not open for registration to honours, majors or minors in the Department of Biological Sciences or to Environmental Science program students with a Concentration in Biological Sciences, or to Natural Sciences program students with a Concentration in Biological Sciences, or to Neuroscience program students.