Recommended background
No scientific background is required; all are
welcome!
What resources will I need for this
class?
An internet connection, a sense of adventure,
and a passion for the natural world.
Can I receive credit for BUGS 101?
Credit for the course is only available to
University of Alberta students as ENT101
Course Information (For credit at the
University of Alberta)
If you want to learn more about the course
you’re taking for credit at the University of
Alberta, go to the full course information page:
https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/o
nline-courses/bugs-101​*********. Here you can
see an overview of the course and learn about
the format and structure of the exams you will
be taking on campus, the enrollment period, the
approximate number of study hours, the
available course credits, and other useful
information to help you succeed.
Estimated workload: ​2-3 hours / week (as a
non-credit course)
Self-study MOOC Courses
MOOC courses are designed to be self-study
courses. The expectation is that you will attempt
your course work before contacting the course
facilitator for help. This requires you to:
● Complete required readings.
● Work through relevant exercises and
Interactive Learning Objects.
● Make an initial attempt to resolve any
questions or problems you might have on
your own.
● Look through the course discussion board
and review previous discussion postings
for answers to your queries.
We recognize that, from time to time in a
self-study course, even after following these
steps, you will need to raise your hand to ask
questions. If this is the case, please post your
question in the forums. Other students may be
able to aid in the discussion, and it’s likely that
some of them have the same question!
● If you are enrolled in the not-for-credit
course, you should post your question to
the Coursera discussion forums. Forums
or discussion boards currently identify
students by first and last name and are
designed to replicate the classroom
experience. You can post and respond to
questions submitted by your peers, while
our facilitator oversees the discussion.
● If you are enrolled in the for-credit course,
you should post your question to the
eClass discussion forums, where a Course
Facilitator can assist you with questions
about the course content or administrative
support.
Save Your Course Material!
It’s a good idea to download or save a copy of
any material you may need for future reference.
The contents of this course are for the personal
use of properly registered students whose
names are entered on the course records. The
contents of this course may not be lent,
borrowed or resold. Names or statistics
mentioned in this course are for the purposes of
comparison and illustration only. Every attempt
has been made to ensure that numbers or
statistics referenced in the course accurately
reflect conditions at the time of course design
and creation.
A Note About References to Third Party
Materials:
There may be references in this course to third
party materials. Those third party materials are
not under the control of the course designers,
instructors, facilitator, or the Faculty of Science
of the University of Alberta, and the
aforementioned individuals are not responsible
for the contents of any third party materials or
for any changes or updates to such third party
materials. These references are provided to you
only as a convenience and the inclusion of any
reference does not imply endorsement of the
third party materials.

While the information in this course has been

obtained from sources we believe to be reliable,
such information cannot be guaranteed nor
does it purport to treat each subject
exhaustively, and should not be interpreted as a
recommendation for any specific product,
service, use or course of action.

The course designers, instructors, facilitator,

and the Faculty of Science of the University of
Alberta assume no obligation to update the
content in this course.
Notices Regarding This Course:

The contents of this course are strictly intended for information and educational use. Although this
course is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information, it is to be used with the
understanding that the course designers, instructors, facilitator, and the Faculty of Science of the
University of Alberta are not engaged in the rendering of insect management advice. If such advice or
other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

In no event shall the course designers, instructors, facilitator, and/or the Faculty of Science of the
University of Alberta be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages or any damages
whatsoever resulting from actions of negligence, or other tortious action, arising out of or in
connection with the information provided in this course.

© 2018 Faculty of Science of the University of Alberta All rights reserved. No part of this course may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Faculty
of Science of the University of Alberta.
 Introduction

BUGS 101 is an introductory university-level course that provides the

foundation for understanding insect diversity, biology, as well as beneficial
and harmful insect-human interactions. Armed with an understanding of
insect biology and behaviour, we can better study and manage the direct
and indirect impacts insects have on human society.

The lead instructor for BUGS 101 is Dr. Maya Evenden.

Learning Outcomes
After completing this course students will be able to:

● Describe the evolutionary relationships between insects and their

arthropod relatives
● Inventory major groups of insects and their diversity
● Demonstrate evolutionary adaptations that make insects
successful
● Discuss insect biology and human-insect interactions
● Evaluate positive and negative interactions between insects and
humans
● Propose practical and symbolic roles insects play in human
societies
Course Modules
The course is organized around twelve modules:

MODULE 01 - INTRODUCTION TO INSECTS AND THEIR TERRESTRIAL RELATIVES

What is an arthropod? What is an insect? This module examines the relatedness of arthropod groups
and how to differentiate insects from other terrestrial arthropods. Students will gain experience in
identifying and distinguishing the major insect orders. The aim of this module is to introduce factors
that enable insects to be so successful and affect many aspects of our lives. We also introduce the
importance of museum collections and demonstrate how learners can collect and observe insects in
their own backyards.
Module 01 Learning Objectives:
● Describe the evolutionary relationships between insects and their terrestrial arthropod
relatives
● Define the traits that distinguish insects from other terrestrial arthropods
● Identify the evolutionary traits that have contributed to insect success and diversity
● Inventory major groups of insects and examine their diversity
● Discuss the importance of insect collections in museums
● Apply knowledge gained to initiate personal insect collection

MODULE 02 - THE BUSINESS OF BEING AN INSECT: BASIC BIOLOGY I

This module reviews insect biology from the external structures to three major internal systems - the
digestive and excretory system, the circulatory system, and the gas exchange system.
Module 02 Learning Objectives:
● Identify the three major body regions of an insect
● Recognise and define the functions of mouthparts and locomotory, sensory and reproductive
structures
● Discuss the structure and function of insect digestion and excretory systems
● Explain the structure and function of insect circulatory and gas exchange systems

MODULE 03 - THE BUSINESS OF BEING AN INSECT: BASIC BIOLOGY II

This module continues to review insect biology, focusing on two major internal systems - the nervous
system, and the reproductive system. Insect courtship and mating is examined in detail, and we
discuss how humans can exploit our knowledge of insect reproduction in pest management.
Module 03 Learning Objectives:
● Discuss the structure and function of the insect nervous system
● Identify the different cues used by insects to locate and attract mates
● Describe the structure and function of the insect reproductive system
● Discuss the different modes of reproduction found in insects
● Examine how knowledge of insect reproduction contributes to pest management

MODULE 04 - INSECT LOCOMOTION

How does an insect move? In this module we will examine how insects use their legs and wings.
While looking at the structure and functions of these appendages we will explore the diverse
modifications that have evolved. This module also examines insect migration and its implications on
pest management and conservation efforts.
Module 04 Learning Objectives:
● Discuss the difference between passive and active dispersal in insects
 ● Discuss how insect muscles operate
● Examine insect leg modifications and their functions
● Examine insect wing structure and identify common wing modifications
● Identify insect detritivores in different insect orders and feeding guilds
● Discuss research methods for measuring insect flight
● Explain the biology of insect migration and the adaptive traits for long-distance migration
● Analyse the importance of insect migration to pest management and conservation

MODULE 05 - INSECTS AS DECOMPOSERS

This module will examine how insect roles in nutrient cycling are employed in forensic investigations.
Students will learn that the growth and development of insects is greatly impacted by environmental
conditions, and can indicate ecological associations that can be exploited in forensic investigations.
Module 05 Learning Objectives:
● Evaluate and summarise the roles insects play in nutrient cycling
● Identify insect detritivores in different insect orders and feeding guilds
● Discuss the effect of temperature on insect postembryonic development and calculate
degree-day accumulations
● Demonstrate applications of insect biology, behaviour and development to forensic
investigations
● Apply concepts from ecological succession and postembryonic development to forensic
entomology

MODULE 06 - PLANT FEEDING AND IMPACTS OF HERBIVORY

In this module we will look at the evolutionary relationships between insects and plants, with emphasis
on feeding strategies. We examine how insects find host plants and how they can exploit plant
defences. We will also look at the types of feeding guilds that have evolved and the types of damage
they cause.
Module 06 Learning Objectives:
● Compare and contrast specific and diffuse co-evolution and resource tracking
● Distinguish the costs and benefits of plant-feeding specificity in insects
● Discuss plant defense mechanisms against insect herbivory
● Identify different feeding guilds of herbivorous insects, their specialised adaptations and the
associated plant damage
● Assess the impact of insect herbivores on agriculture, forestry and horticulture

MODULE 07 - POLLINATION AND BEEKEEPING

How does pollination work? Why is it important? This module will answer these questions as we
discuss the mechanisms and evolution of pollination and entomophily. We take a close look at
beekeeping and explore its history, importance, and the challenges associated with it.
Module 07 Learning Objectives:
● Define pollination and discuss its evolutionary history
● Differentiate cues used by plants to attract insect pollinators
● Assess human impacts on natural pollinator populations
● Evaluate the economic and ecological importance of pollinators
● Discuss the history of apiculture and compare species of bees reared
● Discuss bee eusociality and the biological traits associated with eusociality
● Examine variables that affect bee population decline and ways to manage them
MODULE 08 - ARTHROPODS AND DISEASE
This module will explore how insects can cause and vector diseases. Learners will become
familiarized with examples of important diseases transmitted by arthropods to plants and animals,
including humans. The impact of arthropod-borne diseases on humans in history will be discussed.
Module 08 Learning Objectives:
● Compare and contrast modes of disease causation and transmission by insects
● Discuss the historical importance of insect disease transmission and the roles of insects in
emerging infectious diseases
● Compare and contrast medical, veterinary and agricultural entomology
● Assemble examples of insect-borne human diseases and recognise the insect vectors
● Evaluate the impact of insect-borne human diseases on public health
● Analyse insect-borne animal diseases, identify the insect vectors and recognise the impact on
domesticated animals
● Identify common insect-borne plant diseases and discuss their transmission and economic
impact

MODULE 09 - SUSTAINABLE HUMAN-INSECT INTERACTIONS I

Pest control is a complex issue, and its primary purpose is to minimize losses and damages due to
insect pests and insect disease vectors, while accounting for sustainability, conservation, and public
health. In this module, we examine the concepts and components underlying a broad-based pest
control approach known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). We also discuss the many different
types of chemical insecticides and their impact on both insects and environment.
Module 09 Learning Objectives:
● Explain the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
● Identify the ecological and economic benefits of IPM
● Compare and contrast different tactics used in IPM
● Discuss the benefits and problems associated with insecticide use
● Examine the modes of action of different insecticide classes
● Discuss the evolution of resistance to insecticides and approaches to slowing its development

MODULE 10 - SUSTAINABLE HUMAN-INSECT INTERACTIONS II

This module continues to review other approaches in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - biological
control and cultural control. Biological control utilizes natural interactions between species (specifically
predation and parasitism) in pest management. Cultural control on the other hand, involves the
purposeful manipulation of an environment to reduce pest abundance and damage.
Module 10 Learning Objectives:
● Evaluate biological control in IPM and discuss the benefits and drawbacks to this tactic
● Compare and contrast classical, augmentative and conservation biological control
● Differentiate parasitoids, predators and pathogens as biological control agents
● Define cultural control as an IPM tactic
● Compare ways to implement cultural control and the impact on pest populations
● Evaluate host resistance as a cultural control measure

MODULE 11 - INSECT CONSERVATION

Insect conservation is the main topic of this Module. We’ll discuss why we should care about
conserving insects and explore some of the primary drivers of the declines we see in insect
populations and diversity. We’ll also explore different aspects of insect conservation approaches and
identify common challenges associated with these efforts.
Module 11 Learning Objectives:
● Evaluate the importance of insect conservation
● Rationalise the need for insect conservation
● Identify and explain the causes of insect population and species decline
● Develop approaches to insect conservation
● Recognise the importance of citizen science to insect conservation

MODULE 12 - INSECTS IN HUMAN CULTURE

Insects have worked their way into many facets of human culture, with a strong presence in
mythology, art, music, and even technology. In this module, we examine a broad overview of the
various ecosystem services provided by insects. We will review the ways insects have been employed
in human societies. Society’s view of insects will be investigated and some symbolic representations
of insects are introduced.
Module 12 Learning Objectives:
● Define cultural entomology
● Assess the role of insects in myths, religions, and symbology
● Interpret the incorporation of insects in various art forms
● Appraise biomimicry and discuss the insect inspired products in science and technology
● Evaluate the sustainability of entomophagy
Course Features
The following elements are included in the Coursera edition of the course:

VIDEO LECTURES
Each module consists of a series of video lectures. These videos form the majority of the course
content.

GLOSSARY TERMS
All glossary terms in this course are sorted into two categories: “Course Terms” and “Reference
Terms”. Course terms are presented in​ bold font​ in the course videos, and CAPITAL LETTERS
within the Course Glossary. The reference glossary terms will be presented in regular font and
lower-case in the videos and Glossary, respectively.

MODULE QUIZZES
All modules end with a multiple-choice quiz, in which you will be tested on the concepts covered in the
video lectures. In order to receive a passing grade for the not-for-credit version of this course, you
must complete each quiz with a score of at least 80%. If you don't get there first time, don't worry! You
can try each quiz multiple times. Each quiz provides 1/12th of your overall grade. Students taking the
course for credit at the University of Alberta will be required to take a midterm and final exam as well,
and should refer to the Ent101 course syllabus for additional grading information.

COURSE EXERCISES
Course exercises come in a variety of forms, depending on the module. They can include the
following:

Interactive Learning Objects (ILOs)

Interactive Learning Objects are opportunities for student engagement and constructive
learning within online courses. Bugs101 ILOs created by the University of Alberta can be
found at:
https://bugs-interactives.herokuapp.com/index.html

Online Forums/Discussion Boards

Online forums and discussion groups enables students to hold discussions with each other on
course-related topics. This allows you to engage with your peers and collaborate on
questions, fun ideas, or any other course-related topics. Students contribute to the discussion
by posting messages to an online message board. Students must log in as authorized
participants to post messages, and messages may be reviewed by a moderator before
posting.
How to Use this Material
This course is designed for self-study. When studying for the course, we suggest the following:

● Review the learning objectives prior to completing each module; the quizzes, midterm exam,
and final exam will cover the information required in meeting these objectives.
● Make notes by summarizing the key points under each major heading and learning objective.
● Review the definitions of key terms found in the Glossary.
● After watching the video lectures, complete all online exercises (quizzes and Interactive
Learning Objects). They are intended to reinforce the concepts explored, and develop your
ability to explain and discuss the required knowledge.