ENT 202 - The insect connection, 3 credits
Spring semester, Tue & Thu, 09:05-10:20, 101 Ag Science & Industries 101
Instructor: Dr. Etya Amsalem
ENT202 is an Interdomain Science course (GN/GS) that use an interdisciplinary approach to look at the Biology and the interplay between nature and society.  Major themes of the course will be illustrated focusing on the world of Insects and the relationships between Society and Insects.  Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis of both the costs and the benefits of human activities that impact natural systems

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ENT 522 Critical Thinking and Professional Development in Entomology, 4 credits
Spring Semester, Mon & Wed 11:15-1:10
Instructors: Drs. Julie Urban, Harland Patch, and Etya Amsalem

This required course for Entomology graduate students focuses on developing the professional skills needed for a successful career in basic or applied research. Major topics addressed include (i) effective scientific communication, (ii) the mechanisms of research funding and peer review, (iii) critical evaluation of scientific evidence and arguments, (iv) basic principles of study design, and (v) research ethics and effective collaboration. Students engage in a variety of classroom activities including lectures, discussions, and peer review of written assignments and interact with instructors possessing expertise in each of the particular subject areas addressed, as well as with guest instructors working on cutting-edge topics in insect science and related fields. The course emphasizes practical application of the material presented to students own research. Over the course of the semester, each student reviews relevant literature and develops and refines a research proposal based on their own scientific interests.

ENT 484 Insect Behavior, 3 credits
Instructor: Dr. Etya Amsalem
Insects are one of the most successful and diverse taxonomic groups on the planet. Their success is attributed to the amazing range of complex behaviors they exhibit: they have mastered the abilities to find food and mate, defend themselves, invade new territories, communicate in various ways and cooperate to build highly organized societies. This course will provide a theoretical and empirical overview of insect behavior ranging from physiology and genetics underlying behavior to the evolution of behavioral diversity. We will learn how scientists study insect behavior, why do insect behave the way they do, what functions these behaviors might serve, and how behavior is shaped by the evolutionary forces of natural and sexual selection. Among the topics we will discuss are learning, memory and decision making; dominance and territorial behaviors; foraging and defending against predators; reproductive strategies and mating systems; communication, cooperative behavior, and social cognition.
This course is suitable to students looking to learn about the fascinating world of insect behavior and to students looking to do research on insect behavior.
Course evaluation is based on a combination of two exams and a research project. Students may, if they wish, integrate their research area into the research project

Major topics addressed include:
The history of behavior
Scientific ways of studying behavior
Proximate vs. ultimate: Tinbergen's four questions
The development of behavior: The nervous system
The development of behavior: The endocrine system
How genes regulate behavior?
Nature vs. Nurture
Foraging strategies 
Anti-predator strategies
Habitat selection
Territorial behavior 
Spatial adjustment
Migration and diapause
Insect intelligence
Communication: Mechanisms and Evolution
Sexual selection
Mating and reproductive systems
Parental care
Cooperative and social behavior

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ENT 530 The Evolution of Cooperation, Graduate seminar, 1 credit
Instructor: Dr. Etya Amsalem
This class will examine current topics in the evolution of cooperative behavior and altruism in animals. We will cover the main theories explaining the fundamental problem of cooperation, as well as their criticisms.  Classes are a combination of lectures, student paper presentations and discussions. Each meeting will focus on a particular level at which cooperation has emerged as the result of natural selection. Covered topics may include game theory, direct and indirect benefit, inclusive fitness, group and kin selection, the super organism and the handicap principle.