Entomology
Graduate students pursuing entomology have the opportunity to study and conduct research within a number of graduate programs across the university in the Departments of Horticulture, Crop & Soil Science, Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Sciences, and Forest Ecosystems & Society.
Entomologists continue to be at the forefront of basic and applied research in molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, biodiversity, and pest management. The modern fields of physiology, ecology and systematics have their origins in research originally undertaken with insects, and entomologists help lead these disciplines today. Given the unique importance of insects in biodiversity and ecosystem processes, their roles in crop production and public health, and their value as model organisms for the exploration of basic scientific questions, there is demand for graduates who have acquired entomological expertise.
The Entomology Program is a component of the Agricultural Experiment Station, which has many research facilities for students and staff, including farms, greenhouses, an aquatic insect laboratory, and a forest insect research laboratory. In addition to OSU faculty, state and federal entomologists stationed across the state are available for consultation in their fields of specialization. The Oregon State Arthropod Collection has nearly 3,000,000 specimens of insects and mites and is a recognized center for research in insect systematics and biodiversity.
Silvia Rondon, Program Contact
College of Agricultural Sciences
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
Phone: 541-737-8321
Email: silvia.rondon@oregonstate.edu
Website: https://entomology.oregonstate.edu/
Faculty
https://entomology.oregonstate.edu/entomology/people/faculty
ENT 101, INTRODUCTION TO CROP, SOIL, AND INSECT SCIENCE, 1 Credit
Introduces students with interests in crop, soil, and insect sciences to educational and professional opportunities in these disciplines. Speakers will discuss opportunities in research and academia as well as in the applied professional job market. CROSSLISTED as CROP 101/ENT 101/SOIL 101.
Equivalent to: CROP 101, HORT 101, SOIL 101
Available via Ecampus
ENT 300, *PESTS, PLAGUES AND POLITICS, 3 Credits
Explores the interaction between humans and insects over the course of history up to the modern era. Examines the interaction of entomology with other aspects of society including agriculture, natural resources, engineering, public health, humanities, business, and geopolitics. Explores how entomology has been inextricably linked with, and contributes to, technological advancements by human society. Develops the ability to analyze relationships among science, technology, and society and to articulate critical perspectives on how those relationships have shaped human society. CROSSLISTED as ENT 300/HORT 330.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
Equivalent to: HORT 330
Recommended: Critical thinking, synthesis, and writing skills
Available via Ecampus
ENT 311, INTRODUCTION TO INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Identification, biology and management of injurious and beneficial insects. Concurrent laboratory is designed to provide hands-on experience with identification of insect groups of relevance to agricultural cropping systems.
Recommended: Entomology course work or one year college biology.
Available via Ecampus
ENT 322, HONEY BEE BIOLOGY AND BEEKEEPING, 3 Credits
In this introduction to the fascinating honey bee and its biology, honey bees are used as model organisms to illustrate general principles of biology, entomology, and sociobiology. Students will learn the basics of beekeeping, have an opportunity to manipulate honey bee colonies, and gain hands-on experience, prevailing winter weather permitting.
Available via Ecampus
ENT 331, *POLLINATORS IN PERIL, 3 Credits
Pollinators, human influences on pollination systems, and the potential consequences of pollinator decline. An introduction to the skills needed to investigate media reports and multidisciplinary scientific research. Effects of pesticides, habitat fragmentation, climate change, invasive species, pests, pathogens, and other threats to pollinators in critical natural and agricultural systems around the world. CROSSLISTED as ENT 331/HORT 331.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Equivalent to: HORT 331
Recommended: Completion of a Baccalaureate Core biological science course
Available via Ecampus
ENT 401, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
Work on approved problems carried on in the library, laboratory or field.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Reading and discussions on special topics.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 407, SEMINAR, 1-2 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 440, ISSUES IN INSECT TOXICOLOGY, 3 Credits
Introduction to concepts and mechanisms associated with molecular toxicology as it relates to insects, including interactions with naturally occurring and synthetic compounds. Overview of current research in insect toxicology including resistance to pesticides, protection of non-target species, and use of insects as model organisms. Discussion of laboratory and field approaches and potential strategies to address issues in insect toxicology.
Recommended: Background in basic chemistry and biology
Available via Ecampus
ENT 444, INSECT AGROECOLOGY, 3 Credits
Agroecology incorporates ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agricultural systems. Topics include: the role of insects in sustainable agricultural systems; application of the principles of insect ecology to better manage insect pests and maximize crop yield; conserving beneficial insects and other natural resources in agroecosystems and the surrounding landscape. CROSSLISTED as ENT 444/HORT 444.
Equivalent to: HORT 444
Recommended: General background or previous course work in entomology.
ENT 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 6 credits.
Available via Ecampus
ENT 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
Work on approved problems carried on in the library, laboratory or field.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
ENT 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Reading and discussions on special topics.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 507, SEMINAR, 1-2 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 509, PRACTICUM IN TEACHING, 1-3 Credits
Developing skills and competence in teaching under staff supervision; organization and presentation of instructional material by assisting in laboratory, recitation, and lectures. CROSSLISTED as CROP 509/ENT 509/PBG 509/SOIL 509.
Equivalent to: CROP 509, PBG 509, SOIL 509
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
ENT 510, INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 518, CURRENT TOPICS IN ENTOMOLOGY, 2 Credits
Provides an advanced understanding of entomology and its relationship to other disciplines through critical analysis of the scientific literature. Practice synthesizing information and presenting findings to peers. Instructors, topics, and specific learning objectives vary from term to term. CROSSLISTED as ENT 518/HORT 518.
Equivalent to: HORT 518
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ENT 523, ORGANIC BEEKEEPING AND HONEY PRODUCTION, 3 Credits
In this introduction to the fascinating honey bee and its biology, honey bees are used as model organisms to illustrate general principles of biology, entomology, and sociobiology. Learn the basics of beekeeping, organic beekeeping and honey production. Examine the culture and certification of organic and conventional systems of honey production.
Available via Ecampus
ENT 540, ISSUES IN INSECT TOXICOLOGY, 3 Credits
Introduction to concepts and mechanisms associated with molecular toxicology as it relates to insects, including interactions with naturally occurring and synthetic compounds. Overview of current research in insect toxicology including resistance to pesticides, protection of non-target species, and use of insects as model organisms. Discussion of laboratory and field approaches and potential strategies to address issues in insect toxicology.
Recommended: Background in basic chemistry and biology
Available via Ecampus
ENT 542, PRINCIPLES OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: SYSTEMS DESIGN, 4 Credits
Principles of integrated pest management design focusing on the use of systems analysis as a means to integrate management tactics, environmental and biological monitoring, pest control models, and implementation elements into a cohesive whole. Introduction to integrated pest management on websites. Students will design a hypothetical crop-pest management system.
Recommended: ENT 311
ENT 544, INSECT AGROECOLOGY, 3 Credits
Agroecology incorporates ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agricultural systems. Topics include: the role of insects in sustainable agricultural systems; application of the principles of insect ecology to better manage insect pests and maximize crop yield; conserving beneficial insects and other natural resources in agroecosystems and the surrounding landscape. CROSSLISTED as ENT 544/HORT 544.
Equivalent to: HORT 544
Recommended: General background or previous course work in entomology.
ENT 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Important topics of current interest in the areas of systematics, insect physiology and toxicology, ecology and behavior, and pest management. Course content and title will change with each offering.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
ENT 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 603, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
ENT 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENT 609, PRACTICUM IN TEACHING, 1-3 Credits
Developing skills and competence in teaching under staff supervision; organization and presentation of instructional material by assisting in laboratory, recitation, and lectures.
Equivalent to: CROP 609, PBG 609, SOIL 609
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
ENT 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Important topics of current interest in the areas of systematics, insect physiology and toxicology, ecology and behavior, and pest management. Course content and title will change with each offering.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.