Outline

Overview

Insects are the most abundant and diverse group of animals on earth; beetles alone account for 25% of animal life. Insects impact almost every facet of the ecosystem and our lives. Many insects play valuable and essential roles in pollinating different plant species, in predating and controlling insect pests and in recycling nutrients. Other insects are harmful and are the vectors for major diseases such as plague, malaria and recently emerged viral disease Zika. This unit will provide students with a broad introduction to entomology including insect evolution, ecology, anatomy and physiology. Students will learn applied entomological topics such as sustainable insect management in agricultural ecosystems, medical and veterinary entomology, insect-inspired technologies, and insects as a future food source for both livestock and humans. This theoretical background will be complemented by training in how to use and evaluate a range of identification tools such as lucid and traditional dichotomous keys that enable you to identify and classify major groups of insects. Practical classes will allow you to develop your identification, classification and preservation skills though examination of boxes of 'mystery insects' and through creating a museum-quality insect collection. Students will also learn procedures for caring and rearing live insects. By the end of the unit you will be well prepared to work in fields that require entomological skills.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ENTO2001
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Caitlyn Forster, caitlyn.forster@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam In-person supervised closed book exam	35%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Early Feedback Task: Oral Test Practical Test 1 Insect Identification #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 12:00 Closing date: 21 Aug 2025	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Practical Test 2 (Individual stage) Insect identification quiz.	8%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2025 at 12:00 Closing date: 18 Sep 2025	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Practical Test 2 (group stage) Insect identification quiz in a group	2%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2025 at 12:00 Closing date: 18 Sep 2025	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Insect display Practical project	20%	Week 10 Due date: 16 Oct 2025 at 15:00 Closing date: 16 Oct 2025	Submitted during practical	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Insect Collection Create a pinned insect collection	30%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2025 at 15:00 Closing date: 30 Oct 2025	30 insects	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Final Exam - This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Early Feedback Task: An interactive oral where students will be required to identify insects to order.

Insect collection - students will be required to create a box of 30 pinned insects identified to family. Detailed information can be found on Canvas

Insect display - students will be required to keep a live insect in a display, students will then present these displays to lectures in an informal chat about the process of creating the display, considering insect welfare. Detailed information can be found on Canvas.

Two-Stage Test (Week 7 insect identification Quiz) - an open book test where students will use a key to identify insects to family individually. Once the test is completed, groups will be formed within the class, and students will have the opportunity to attempt a small subset of the questions as a group.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 20 21 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to the insects; Insect evolution and biodiversity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Insect morphology	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Major insect orders; External morphology and locomotion	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	The insect orders; larval identification; identification using AI	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Mouthparts and feeding; Digestion and excretion	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Insect identification to order, Early Feedback Task	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Respiration, circulation and the nervous system	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Coleoptera families	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Communication; Sensory systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Hemiptera and Orthoptera families	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Endocrine system and life histories; Reproduction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Diptera Families	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Herbivory; Pollination	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Practical Test	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Insect Ethics and Welfare; Insect conservation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Field Trip to Camden	Practical (5 hr)
Week 09	Insect health	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Lepidoptera families	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Insect weapons; Predators and Parasitoids	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Insect displays!	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Insect architecture; Insect societies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Hymenoptera families	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Jobs in entomology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Insect collection curation and trade day	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Choose your own lecture	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Required materials: Laboratory manual, provided in the first lab session.

Required attendance: Unless otherwise stated, students must attend a minimum of 80% of the practicals as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Recommended:

Zborowski, P. & Storey, R. 2010. A field guide to insects in Australia. 3rd edition, Reed New Holland, Sydney. 288 pp.
Gullan, P.J. & Cranston, P.S. 2010. The Insects: an outline of entomology. 4th edition, Blackwell Publishing, Malden, MA. 565 pp.
Chapman, R. F. 2013. The Insects: structure and function. 5th edition, Cambridge University Press.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. describe the external and internal structures of insects and recognise the specific features that distinguish insects from other arthropods
LO2. explain the processes of respiration, digestion, reproduction, growth, development, excretion, feeding and locomotion in the major insect groups
LO3. use examples to illustrate the different ecological roles that insects play
LO4. identify the major insect orders from memory and common families using a dichotomous key
LO5. preserve, mount and label insect specimens according to standard museum practice
LO6. learn to design informational displays that convey entomological information while meeting the needs of live insects
LO7. Effectively complete scientific drawings of insects to provide anatomical and taxonomic information

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Students will be provided with a new assessment type - a Two-stage test, to help them gain instant feedback on their tests from peers. We will also be providing an oral test as an Early Feedback Task

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOL2033: Biology of Insects

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links