Entomology Related Courses at GMU
Insect BiologyThis course focuses on the ecology, evolution and human-relevance of insects and other arthropods. Topics covered include general insect taxonomy and morphology, medical and forensic entomology, urban and agricultural entomology and pest management. The course includes a laboratory component and culminates in a Bug Film Festival and Insect Cook-off. This course is critical for students who wish to pursue graduate work or medical careers in tropical medicine or epidemiology. (BIOL 332 - Fall Semester of odd-numbered years)
Conservation Biology
This courses is an advanced seminar in which students are expected to discuss & critique primary literature. This course is critical for graduate students in the Environmental Science & Policy program, particularly those with an interest in terrestrial plant and animal conservation issues. Dr. Forkner also takes responsibility for teaching BIOL 318 in some semesters. Currently, this course is offered by Dr. Cody Edwards each Spring Semester. Both courses provide an introduction to the scientific basis of conservation, including topics such as biological diversity, invasive species, extinction, habitat fragmentation, and conservation genetics. (BIOL/EVPP 518 - Fall Semester of even-numbered years)
Reproductive Strategies
This course is an advanced introduction to evolutionary theory in the behavioral ecology of sex. Lectures begin with discussions of the evolution of sex and gender and then focus on topics such as mate choice, hermaphrodism, courtship displays, polygamy, homosexuality, territoriality, sexual cannibalism, parental care, and sperm competition. This course is critical for students interested in species conservation because it provides a strong background in animal behavior and mating strategies for both vertebrate and invertebrate animals. (BIOL 457 - Spring Semester of odd-numbered years)
Tropical Biology
This course is a basic, yet thorough, introduction to the abiotic and biotic factors that define tropical habitats and focuses on a cross-continental comparison of the flora and fauna of rainforests. This course may be taken for four credits if students register for the optional laboratory (BIOL 440), where students travel to Costa Rica to gain exposure to a variety of field research techniques in wet and dry tropical Central American environments. (BIOL 435 - Spring Semester of even-numbered years)
Directed Readings and Research
Graduate and undergraduate students who wish to pursue additional coursework or research in any of the above areas are encouraged to discuss opportunities to participate in individualize directed readings or laboratory research with Dr. Forkner. Previous students in our laboratory have undertaken studies in Evolutionary Medicine, Predator-Prey Interactions, Vector Biology, Aquatic Entomology, Biodiversity Theory and Computation, Plant-Insect Interactions, and phenolic chemistry.