Social Insect Biology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE3078 | Life Sciences | 3 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LIFE3078
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
Social insects are one of the most successful groups of organisms. They include dominant herbivores, keystone predators and ecosystem engineers. In areas of the tropics the total biomass of ants alone outweighs that of all land vertebrates by four times. They include some of the most ecologically damaging invasive species, pests that cause billions of pounds of economic damage and more benign species that are indirectly responsible for much of the food on our table. They are also one of the outstanding groups for studying subjects as diverse as symbioses and phenotypic plasticity, as well as being one of the pinnacles of social evolution.
This module will provide students with a firm understanding of the major aspects of social insect biology and the insights social insects can provide into general problems in behaviour, ecology and evolution.
In this module the major aspects of social insect biology will be covered in a series of blocks. The general context will be outlined in an initial taught session. Students will then be divided into groups and assigned a particular area of focus during each block. Through self-driven exploration of the evidence, supported by workshops for consultation and discussion, they will generate a piece of coursework for submission at the end of each block.
Target Students
Students studying Zoology U6UZOLOGY (C300). The course will be open to students in Biology U6UBOLGY/U7UBOLGY (C100/C101), and externally to students studying Environmental Science U6UEVNSC/U7UEVNSC (F900/F750) and Environmental Biology U6UEBLGY/U7UEBLGY (C150/C152).
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: Current opinion style review article (1,500 words)
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To learn about the major aspects of social insect biology, including kin selection, symbioses and the organisation of work.To appreciate the ecological and economic significance of social insects. To be able to demonstrate, using social insects as examples, the mechanisms that drive the evolution of sociality and the conflicts underlying social groups.To be able to use social insects as models for understanding a range of important concepts in behavioural ecology and evolutionary biology.To allow students to engage in self-driven enquiry into current topics of applied and research interest in the tropics.To develop presentation skills in a range of communication methods.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will acquire:
• A1. A systematic understanding of key aspects of the field of Social Insect Biology, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge.
• A2. An appreciation of how research into ecological and evolutionary aspects of social insect biology impact on both on science and society.
• A3. Familiarity with the diverse sources of evidence used by scientists.
• A4. A critical awareness of approaches to quantifying, analysing and interpreting scientific information.
• A5. Knowledge and understanding of scientific study through theoretical analysis, formulation of hypotheses, data analysis and communication of results.
Assessment
Students will have the ability to:
• B1. Critically analyse and interpret published information and data
• B2. Think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others
• B3. Understand complex ideas and relate them to specific problems or questions
• B4. Acquire substantial quantities of information systematically, process it effectively, and draw appropriate conclusions
Professional/Practical Skills
Students will have the ability to:
• C1. Carry out aspects of scientific research and evaluate and make use of the material so acquired
• C2. Write and construct scientific documents (e.g. literature reviews) using appropriate styles, conventions, and terminology
Transferable/Key Skills
Students will have the ability to:
• D1. Communicate effectively in writing and design
• D2. Communicate effectively in oral presentation
• D3. Organise and manage their working time, schedule tasks, and meet deadlines
• D4. Use and access information and communication technology
• D5. Reflect on and assess their own progress, strengths and weaknesses
• D6. Work productively with others
Conveners
- Jonathan Green
- Dr Sophie Evison