This course is designed to explore the relationship between insects and humans, and the various ways in which they interact with each other.
The course covers a variety of topics related to insects, including their behavior, physiology, ecology, and evolution. Students will learn about the different roles that insects play in human society, from beneficial pollinators to destructive pests. They will also study the impacts that humans have on insect populations, and the ways in which insects have adapted to living in human-dominated environments.
Throughout the course, students will engage in a range of interactive activities and assignments designed to deepen their understanding of insect-human interactions. They will also have the opportunity to connect with other learners from around the world and engage in discussions about the course material.
By the end of the course, students will have gained a broad understanding of the complex and fascinating relationship between insects and humans, and the ways in which this relationship is shaped by both biological and social factors.
Course Content:
Of all the animals on earth, which are the strongest for their size? What about the fastest? Who were the first animals to evolve flight? Insects take all of these titles and more! As the most abundant animals on the planet, insects and other arthropods affect our lives in so many ways. From beneficial interactions like pollination and biological pest control, to the transmission of life threatening diseases; this course will teach you about the big ways that these little arthropods impact our lives.
In Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions, you will be plunged into the diverse (and sometimes alien) world of arthropods to learn how they work, what they do, and how insects and humans interact every day.
The course Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions by Dr. Maya Evenden on Coursera is divided into 13 modules:
Module 01: Introduction to Insects and their Terrestrial Relatives
12 videos (Total 106 min), 8 readings, 2 quizzes
00.02 Introduction to your Course Facilitator 3m
01.01 Introduction 1m
01.02 Arthropods 9m
01.03 Arthropod Evolution and Classification 16m
01.04 Small Body Size 5m
01.05 Metamorphosis, Dispersal, and Reproductive Capabilities 9m
01.06 Major Insect Orders 13m
01.07 Insect Collections in Museums 18m
01.08 Starting Your Insect Collection 12m
01.09 Module 01 Wrap Up 54s
Royal Alberta Museum Bug Gallery Tour 3m
Course Information Packet 10m
Interactive Learning Objects 10m
Meet the BUGS 101 Team 10m
Course Glossary 10m
Useful Biological Prefixes and Suffixes 10m
Extra Study Material: Flashcards 10m
Module 01 Course Notes 2h
Module 01 Supplementary readings 10m
Pre-Course Bugs Survey 30m
Module 1 Quiz 10m
Module 02: The Business of Being an Insect Part 1
6 videos (Total 37 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
02.01 The Business of Being an Insect 1m
02.02 Insect Body Regions and Head 10m
02.03 Insect Thorax and Abdomen 3m
02.04 Digestion and Excretion 10m
02.05 Circulation and Gas Exchange 11m
02.06 Module 02 Wrap Up 54s
Module 02 Course Notes 2h
Module 02 Supplementary Readings 10m
Module 2 Quiz 10m
Module 03: The Business of Being an Insect Part 2
7 videos (Total 50 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
03.01 More Business of Being an Insect 55s
03.02 Nervous System 11m
03.03 Courtship and Mating 11m
03.04 Male and Female Reproductive Structures 5m
03.05 Modes of Reproduction 14m
03.06 Mating Disruption and SIT 6m
03.07 Module 03 Wrap Up 53s
Module 03 Course Notes 2h
Module 03 Supplementary Readings 10m
Module 3 Quiz 10m
Module 04: Insect Locomotion
12 videos (Total 73 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
04.02 Passive and Active Dispersal 11m
04.03 Insect Musculature 5m
04.04 Insect Legs and Modifications 6m
04.05 Insect Wing Structure 3m
04.06 Insect Wing Modifications 7m
04.07 Insect Flight Muscles 7m
04.08 Studying Insect Flight 3m
04.09 Insect Migration 7m
04.10 Insect Migration: Locusts 5m
04.11 Insect Migration: Monarch Butterfly 10m
04.12 Module 04 Wrap Up 1m
Module 04 Course Notes 2h
Module 04 Supplementary Readings 10m
Module 04 Quiz 10m
Module 05: Insects as Decomposers
6 videos (Total 55 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
05.01 Insects as Decomposers 1m
05.02 Nutrient Cycling 4m
05.03 Detritivore Feeding Guilds 17m
05.04 Insect Development 8m
05.05 Development and Succession in Forensics 21m
05.06 Module 05 Wrap Up 1m
Module 05 Course Notes 2h
Module 05 Supplementary Readings 10m
Module 05 Quiz 10m
Module 06: Plant Feeding and Impacts of Herbivory
7 videos (Total 64 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
06.01 Plant Feeding and Impacts of Herbivory 1m
06.02 Coevolution & Ecological Fitting 7m
06.03 Levels of Diet Specialisation 11m
06.04 Plant Defences 15m
06.05 Plant Feeding Guilds 19m
06.06 Impacts of Insect Herbivores 5m
06.07 Module 06 Wrap Up 1m
Module 06 Course Notes 2h
Module 6 Supplementary Reading 10m
Module 06 Quiz 10m
Module 07: Pollination and Beekeeping
9 videos (Total 81 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
07.01 Pollination and Beekeeping 2m
07.02 Pollination 9m
07.03 Pollinator Challenges and Importance 7m
07.04 Apiculture 15m
07.05 Honey Bee Eusociality and Castes 15m
07.06 Honey Bee Biology 8m
07.07 Honey Bee Communication 8m
07.08 Threats to Honey Bees 11m
07.09 Module 7 Wrap Up 1m
News: Varroa mites feed on fat body, not hemolymph 10m
Module 07 Course Notes 2h
Module 07 Supplementary Readings 10m
Module 7 - Pollination and Apiculture 10m
Module 08: Insects and Disease
6 videos (Total 69 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
08.02 Etiological Agents and Disease Vectors 16m
08.03 Arthropod-borne Human Diseases 28m
08.04 Arthropod-borne Animal Diseases 8m
08.05 Arthropod-borne Plant Diseases 13m
08.06 Module 08 Wrap Up 1m
Module 08 Course Notes 2h
Module 08 Supplementary Readings 10m
Module 8 - Insects and Diseases 10m
Module 09: Sustainable Human-Insect Interactions: IPM
6 videos (Total 79 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
09.01 Sustainable Human-Insect Interactions: IPM 1m
09.02 Integrated Pest Management 25m
09.03 IPM: Chemical Control 5m
09.04 Types of Insecticides 15m
09.05 Advantages and Limitations of Insecticides 30m
09.06 Module 09 Wrap Up 1m
Module 09 Course Notes 2h
Module 09 Supplementary Readings 10m
Module 9 - Sustainable Human-Insect Interactions I 10m
Module 10: Sustainable Human-Insect Interactions: IPM (Biological and Cultural Control)
6 videos (Total 94 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
10.01 IPM: Biological and Cultural Control 1m
10.02 Biological Control 29m
10.03 Types of Biological Control 24m
10.04 Pros and Cons of Biological Control 8m
10.05 Cultural Control 26m
10.06 Module 10 Wrap Up 2m
Module 10 Course Notes 2h
Interactive Learning Object - Pest Management in an Orchard - Capstone activity 10m
Module 10 Supplementary Readings 10m
Module 10 - Sustainable Human-Insect Interactions II 10m
Module 11: Insect Conservation
7 videos (Total 114 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
11.01 Insect Conservation1m11.02 Conservation of Insect Diversity16m11.03 The Changing World and Insects24m11.04 The Changing Climate and Insects15m11.05 Invasive Species and Harvesting by Humans18m11.06 Conserving and Managing Insect Diversity34m11.07 Module 11 Wrap Up2m
Module 11 Course Notes2hRoad Map to Insect Conservation10mModule 11 Supplementary Readings10m
Module 12: Insects in Human Culture
6 videos (Total 104 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
12.01 Insects in Human Culture 2m
12.02 Myths and Symbols 15m
12.03 Art, Literature, and Film 22m
12.04 Products, Science and Technology 34m
12.05 Entomophagy: Insects as Food 27m
12.06 Module 12 Wrap Up 1m
Module 12 Course Notes 2h10m
Playlist of Entomology-inspired Music 10m
Module 12 Supplementary Readings 10m
Module 12 - Insects in Human Society 10m
Module 13: Bugs 101 Wrap Up
1 video (Total 13 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
Bugs 101 Wrap Up 12m
Acknowledgements 10m
Post-Course Bugs Survey 10m
Reviews:
As a student who has taken the Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions course on Coursera, I can say that the course exceeded my expectations. The course author and instructor, Dr. Maya Evenden, is an expert in the field of entomology and her passion for the subject matter was evident throughout the course.
The course content was well-structured and informative, with a good balance of theoretical concepts and practical applications. The lectures were delivered in an engaging and interactive manner, with clear explanations and relevant examples. In addition, the course included a variety of supplementary materials, such as readings, quizzes, and assignments, to reinforce the learning objectives.
One of the aspects of the course that I appreciated the most was its focus on real-world examples and case studies. This approach helped to demonstrate the relevance of insect-human interactions in our daily lives, and how these interactions can have significant impacts on the environment, agriculture, and human health. For example, we learned about the important role of bees in pollination and the effects of insecticide use on bee populations, as well as the risks associated with insect-borne diseases like malaria and Zika virus.
The course also provided opportunities for students to interact with each other and with the instructor through online discussions and collaborative activities. This helped to create a sense of community and fostered a supportive learning environment.
Overall, the Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions course was an excellent learning experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in the subject matter. The course material was well-organized and presented in an engaging manner, and the instructor's expertise and passion for the subject matter was evident throughout.
At the time, the course has an average ratings of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over 1,255 ratings.
What you'll learn:
Upon completion of the Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions course by Dr. Maya Evenden on Coursera, students will acquire the following skills:
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Understanding of insect behavior, physiology, ecology, and evolution: The course covers a wide range of topics related to insects, including their behavior, anatomy, and the way they interact with their environment. Students will gain a deeper understanding of insect biology and ecology, as well as the evolutionary history of insects and their place in the natural world.
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Knowledge of the various roles that insects play in human society: Insects play important roles in human society, from providing food to serving as companions and sources of inspiration in art and culture. The course will explore the many ways in which insects interact with humans, including as pests, pollinators, and disease vectors.
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Ability to analyze and evaluate the impacts that humans have on insect populations and the environment: Human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and climate change can have significant impacts on insect populations and their habitats. The course will teach students how to evaluate the effects of human activities on insects and their ecosystems.
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Understanding of the ways in which insects have adapted to living in human-dominated environments: As human populations continue to grow and expand into new areas, insects are increasingly forced to adapt to living in urban and suburban environments. The course will explore the ways in which insects have adapted to these environments, as well as the challenges that they face.
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Knowledge of the current and future issues related to insect-human interactions: The course will cover a range of current and future issues related to insect-human interactions, including insect conservation and biodiversity, the use of insects as bioindicators, and the impact of climate change on insect populations.
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Ability to critically evaluate scientific research related to insect-human interactions: The course will help students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills, particularly when it comes to evaluating scientific research related to insect-human interactions.
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Improved research and analytical skills through various assignments and activities throughout the course: The course includes a range of assignments and activities that will help students develop their research and analytical skills. These include quizzes, case studies, and group discussions.
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Improved communication skills, including the ability to express ideas and opinions in a clear and concise manner: The course includes opportunities for students to engage in discussions and share their ideas and opinions with others. This will help students develop their communication skills and become more comfortable expressing their ideas in a clear and concise manner.
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Increased awareness and appreciation of the importance of insects in the natural world and human society: The course will help students develop a greater understanding of the important roles that insects play in the natural world and in human society. This increased awareness and appreciation can have a positive impact on the way that students interact with insects and the environment.
Author:
Dr. Maya Evenden is a renowned entomologist and professor of biology at the University of Alberta in Canada. She is an expert in the field of insect-plant interactions and has conducted extensive research on the ecology and behavior of insect populations.
Dr. Evenden received her PhD in entomology from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. She has since gone on to publish numerous research papers on topics related to insect-plant interactions, chemical ecology, and insect behavior.
In addition to her research, Dr. Evenden is also an experienced teacher and mentor. She has taught a wide range of courses in biology and entomology, including "Insect Ecology and Conservation" and "Insect Physiology and Biochemistry". Her teaching style is known for being engaging and interactive, with a focus on hands-on learning and practical applications.
Overall, Dr. Maya Evenden is a highly respected expert in the field of entomology, with extensive experience both as a researcher and a teacher. Her expertise in the area of insect-human interactions makes her an excellent choice to lead the Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions course on Coursera.
Requirements:
The requirements for the Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions course, authored by Dr. Maya Evenden, are as follows:
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Basic knowledge of biology: Students should have a foundational understanding of biology, including basic concepts such as cell biology, genetics, and ecology. This will enable students to better understand the interactions between insects and humans and how these interactions are influenced by biological factors.
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Proficiency in English: The course is taught in English, so students should have a good command of the language to fully engage with the course material. Proficiency in English is necessary for understanding lectures, participating in discussions, and completing written assignments.
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Access to a device and internet: The course is delivered entirely online, so students should have access to a computer, laptop, or mobile device with a reliable internet connection. This will allow them to access lectures, participate in discussions, and complete assignments.
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Willingness to participate in discussions and activities: The course is designed to be interactive, with opportunities for students to engage in discussions and activities with their peers. As such, students should be willing to actively participate in these activities to enhance their learning experience.
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Interest in insects and their interactions with humans: The course is focused on exploring the fascinating world of insects and their interactions with humans. Students should have a genuine interest in the subject matter to fully benefit from the course. A curiosity about the diversity of insects and their impact on human society, agriculture, and the environment is highly recommended.
Overall, the Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions course requires a basic understanding of biology, proficiency in English, access to a device and internet, willingness to participate in discussions and activities, and a genuine interest in insects and their interactions with humans.
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