Outline

Overview

Insects affect almost every facet of our lives from vectoring major diseases like the plague, malaria and Zika virus to the billions of dollars of free ecosystem services they provide by consuming pest insects, pollinating agricultural crops and removing waste. This unit takes an applied approach to entomology by covering topics such as medical entomology, forensic entomology, sustainable pest management, pollination ecology, insects as human/livestock foods and insect conservation. You will learn how to identify a variety of economically and medically important insects and how to sample insects in a variety of settings. You will also learn how insects are managed in agricultural, urban and natural environments as well as how we can use insects to solve some of humanity's most pressing problems. You will learn about the many important ecosystems services that insects provide, as well as how practitioners can help encourage and support populations of beneficial insects. You will build your skills in research and inquiry through group research projects that you design and run. This unit will give you the basic skills needed to pursue careers in a variety of entomology-related fields.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points of 2000-level units
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ENTO4003
Assumed knowledge ?	An understanding of the main distinguishing features of the major insect orders, and a general understanding of basic insect anatomy
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Timothy Lee, t.lee@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 work	Mueseum Assessment Proposal Proposal	15%	Week 04 Due date: 29 Aug 2025 at 23:59	1000-2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Small test 1 Individual test	14%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 14:00	40 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Small group test 1 Small test (group)	3%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 14:00	20 mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Poster Q and A session Asking questions about peer's posters	2%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 14:00	n/a	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Poster Poster assignment	19%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Sep 2025 at 23:59	800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Small test 2 Individual test	14%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 14:00	40 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Small group test 2 Small test (group)	3%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 14:00	20 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Museum assessment- final: collection component Insect collection	22.5%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 17:00	15 specimens	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Museum assessment- final: report component Report to accompany insect collection	7.5%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	1000-2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Museum assessment proposal: Collecting and preparing scientific collections is a key task that entomologists may be asked to perform. In this assessment, you will need to propose an order of insects for your own collection. The proposal requires you to answer questions about topics such as: the ecology and taxonomy of your chosen order, resources you will use to identify your insects, how you will collect the insects, and other relevant details. In Week 13, you will hand in your completed collection.

Two-stage test 1 (week 6): You will be tested on the lecture material from weeks 1-5. In the first part of the test (40 mins) you will answer questiosn individually. In the second component (20 mins) you will answer questions as a group. Note: the group mark can only increase, not decrease, your overal mark.

Poster Presentation and Q and A: You will create a poster based on an experiment you design and run during the practicals. You will be expected to ask questions to your fellow poster presenters.

Two-stage test 2 (week 12): You will be tested on the lecture material from weeks 6-11. In the first part of the test (40 mins) you will answer questiosn individually. In the second component (20 mins) you will answer questions as a group. Note: the group mark can only increase, not decrease, your overall mark.

Museum Asessment-final submission: collecting and preparing scientific collections is a key task that entomologists may be asked to perform. In this assessment, you will hand in a completed insect collection focused on a single order along with information about the collected species.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (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
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
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	Course introduction; insect identification refresher	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Course introduction; insect identification refresher	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 02	Discovering and Describing insects: intro to taxonomy and insect ethics	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Biosecurity	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 03	Biosecurity	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Insect sampling	Field trip (7 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to Integrated Pest Management: pesticides, regulation and impacts	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Applied entomology experiment	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 05	Animal ethics	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Applied Entomology Experiment	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 06	Conservation Entomology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Applied Entomology Experiment	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 07	Insect inspired technology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Poster presentation	Presentation (3 hr)
Week 08	Urban entomology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Forensic Entomology	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 09	Forensic entomology	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Medical entomology	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 10	Medical entomology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Community entomology	Field trip (7 hr)
Week 11	Ecosystem Services	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Further study in Entomology	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 12	Insects as food for humans and livestock	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Insects as food for humans and livestock	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 13	Insects in Culture	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities 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.

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. demonstrate a thorough understanding of key applications of entomology, including being able to discuss contemporary pest-control strategies
LO2. demonstrate the ability to convey complex information to a variety of audiences (clients, the general public, fellow scientists) in multiple formats
LO3. demonstrate an in-depth knowledge about integrated pest management in at least one Australian crop
LO4. critically assess scientific literature and apply this to entomological applications
LO5. demonstrate practical skills in identifying insects and their ecological effects.

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.

Student Feedback from the USS survey has been incorporated, in providing more support for preparing for the final submitted assessment

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

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

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

BIOL3033: Insect and Human Interactions

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

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