Numbering Code	U-AGR01 2A230 LJ68 U-AGR01 2A230 LJ85	Year/Term	2022 ・ First semester
Number of Credits	2	Course Type	Lecture
Target Year	2nd year students	Target Student
Language	Japanese	Day/Period	Tue.2
Instructor name	MATSUURA KENJI (Graduate School of Agriculture Professor) TAKATA MAMORU (Graduate School of Agriculture Assistant Professor)
Outline and Purpose of the Course	(Interesting class style) This interactive class (image of radio program, YouTube program) is a new-era class that conveys fun and excitement through interaction between the two teachers and the students rather than a one-way communication by teachers. [Detailed feedback] The teachers address students’ questions, comments, and requests (submitted via Google Forms) in the next class. The classes are uploaded as YouTube videos for students to review and for students unable to attend in person. [Class theme] Scientists have identified about 6-10 million species of insects worldwide, accounting for about 90% of the animal life forms on Earth. The course discusses insects’ biological characteristics and why they are so abundant, providing the latest research cases on insects’ evolution, behavior, and ecology to explore how humans and insects intersect in the environment. The course also examines the scientific method and the importance of critical thinking. [Notes] In Insect Ecology I (first term), students will learn the basics of entomology and the biological characteristics of insects. In Insect Ecology II (second term), they will learn about the universal dynamics of biological evolution based on insects and the theoretical studies of evolutionary ecology and evolutionary biology. Ideally, students will take both courses, but each is structured as a standalone course.
Course Goals	To understand the basic characteristics of insects as living organisms from the origin, morphology, behavior, and mode of inheritance of insects to population dynamics and relationships with humans. To cultivate the basic way of thinking and manners in engaging in science.
Schedule and Contents	Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the course will be conducted through a combination of face-to-face classes, Zoom lessons, and YouTube class videos, depending on the situation. All class content will be uploaded to YouTube for students to study regardless of the situation. For the following topics, we plan to give 1-2 weeks of classes per topic (15 times in total). 1. Guidance/origin and diversity of insects 2. Insect classification and morphology 3. Insect growth and metamorphosis 4. Diverse eating habits of insects 5. Reproductive system and heredity 6. Population dynamics 7. Insect hormones and pheromones 8. Insect sociality 9. Interaction between insects and microorganisms 10. Human life and insects: pest management and alien species issues 11. Forefront of insect science: insect ecology in the post-genome era We accept e-mail or visit questions as feedback and respond appropriately.
Evaluation Methods and Policy	Generally, a comprehensive evaluation will focus on the quizzes conducted through Google Forms and the final exam. Evaluations will also focus on the students' questions and comments after quizzes and their participation and comments during the face-to-face and Zoom classes. The evaluation criteria and policies are based on those described in the Student Handbook of the Faculty of Agriculture of the relevant academic year.
Course Requirements	None in particular
Study outside of Class (preparation and review)	All the materials used in the class can be downloaded from PandA, therefore, use them for preparation and review. Since questions will be addressed at all times and not just during class, please come to the office or send an email to resolve all questions.
Textbooks	Textbooks/References	None. All necessary materials will be uploaded to PandA.
References, etc.	藤崎憲治 ・大串隆之 ・宮竹貴久 ・松浦健二 ・松村正哉 『昆虫生態学』 (朝倉書店) ISBN:978-4-254-42039-5, 松浦健二 『シロアリ ― 女王様、その手がありましたか！』 (岩波書店) ISBN:978-4-00-029602-1, 中筋房夫・内藤親彦・石井実・藤崎憲治・甲斐英則・佐々木正巳 『応用昆虫学の基礎』 (朝倉書店) a systematic textbook of applied entomology, 日本生態学会編 『シリーズ現代の生態学５　行動生態学』 (共立出版　)