Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1346 Chemical Ecology for Sustainable Insect Pest Control, 15.0 Credits

Kemisk ekologi för hållbar kontroll av skadeinsekter

Subjects

Chemistry Biology Biology Chemistry

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
insect-insect interactions	3.0	0302
insect-host interactions	3.0	0303
chemosensory systems	2.0	0304
literature seminar	1.0	0305
pilot project report	3.0	0306
pilot project presentation	3.0	0307

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits, of which at least 30 credits in natural sciences and English 6.

Objectives

The overall aim of the course is to demonstrate the current use and future potential of chemical ecology in the development of tools for use in sustainable insect monitoring and control.

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

• discuss how semiochemicals can be used to increase the sustainability of plant protection programs, in relation to UN sustainability goals

• describe the common techniques and workflows used to identify relevant semiochemicals and to develop these signals into monitoring and control tools

• discuss the complex odour-driven interactions among trophic levels in the context of plant protection

• explain the influence of chemical stimuli on insect behaviour from an ecological and evolutionary perspective

• comprehend and discuss relevant scientific articles within chemical ecology

• plan and design an experiment and implement methods relevant for the sustainable insect control

• formulate and write a scientific report based on newly generated data, and

• evaluate scientific findings by both self-evaluation and by peer-review.

Content

This course will present the main topics in chemical ecology in a sustainable crop protection perspective. The course will introduce to chemical ecology and how insect behaviour is controlled by chemical stimuli. We will discuss how insects send and receive chemical signals, and how these signals are classified. Together, we will investigate examples of chemical signals that have been developed into tools that modify a pest insect’s behaviour and provides protection to important crops. We will delve into how these tools have been developed and explore the potential for novel odour and taste-mediated control method development.

Topics include:

• insect sense of smell - morphology and function

• fundamental smell and taste chemistry, i.e. isolation and chemical identification of behaviour-activating substances

• how chemical substances, e.g. pheromones and plant compounds, affect insect behaviour

• common techniques and workflows in chemical ecology

• how pheromones and plant compounds can be used within crop protection

• how learning in insects impacts control methods.

Scheduled literature seminars, laboratory practicals, practical project work and presentations are compulsory.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

The examination consists of written examination plus written and oral reporting of practical tasks and laboratory work. To pass the course, a passing grade in each of the examinations as well as the assignment work is required, as is the approved participation in compulsory course components.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

Basic chemistry and basic ecology is recommended.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Protection Biology