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BIOL 375

BIOL 375
Medical Entomology

Catalog Entry

Biology 375. Medical Entomology
Three hours lecture; One hour laboratory (4).

Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIOL 111 and BIOL 112.

Students in this course will investigate the arthropod pests that affect human and animal health. Biology and ecology of arthropods that transmit pathogenic disease agents to humans, pets, and livestock, and the epidemiology of selected vector-borne diseases, will be explored. Arthropod groups of concern, along with the diseases they transmit in both temperate and tropical areas, will be discussed. Recent advances in the field of medical entomology research will be discussed and several medical and veterinary case studies will be presented. This course is taught in a lecture/lab format.

 

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

  1. Introduction to Medical Entomology (Overview of arthropods of medical and veterinary importance, History and scope of medical entomology, and Types of problems caused by arthropods (nuisance, allergic reactions, disease transmission)
  2. Arthropod Biology and Morphology (Life cycles, and morphological adaptations of parasitic arthropods, Identification of key arthropod groups using pictorial keys, and classification of medically important arthropods)
  3. Principles of Disease Transmission (Vector-host-pathogen relationships, Transmission cycles of major vector-borne diseases, and Factors affecting vector competence and vectorial capacity)
  4. Epidemiology and Public Health Implications (Epidemiological patterns of vector-borne diseases in temperate and tropical regions, Case studies on major disease outbreaks, and Global burden of vector-borne diseases and emerging threats)
  5. Major Vector Groups and the Diseases They Transmit (Mosquitoes: Malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and West Nile virus, Black flies, sandflies, and midges: Onchocerciasis, leishmaniasis, bluetongue virus, Horse flies, tsetse flies, and house flies: Trypanosomiasis, myiasis, mechanical transmission, Fleas, lice, and bedbugs: Plague, typhus, and other ectoparasitic infections, Triatomine bugs and cockroaches: Chagas disease, allergenic effects, Ticks and mites: Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, scabies, and other mite infestations
  6. Molecular and Genetic Approaches in Vector Biology (Genomics, gene expression, and genetic manipulation of vectors and Molecular techniques for disease diagnosis and vector identification)
  7. Vector Surveillance and Control (Environmental management and chemical control, Biological, microbial, and genetic control approaches, Insecticide resistance and integrated vector management)
  8. Applied Case Studies and Research (Analysis of medical and veterinary case studies, Development of student-led research projects and presentations and Review of recent advances in medical entomology)

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course is taught in a lecture/lab format. Students will participate in discussions in-person or via a virtual discussion board and will write and present about research conducted in the lab portion of the course. 

 

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to

Having successfully completed this course, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the biology, morphology, and life cycles of major arthropods of medical and veterinary importance.
  2. Explain the mechanisms of pathogen transmission between arthropods, humans, and animals.
  3. Analyze the epidemiology and global distribution of vector-borne diseases.
  4. Evaluate traditional and modern methods used to control vectors and prevent disease transmission.
  5. Interpret case studies to connect biological concepts with public health implications.
  6. Communicate scientific findings effectively in written and oral formats.

 

Assessment Measures

Student learning will be evaluated using multiple strategies designed to measure both conceptual understanding and applied skills:

· Examinations (Midterms and Final Exam): Assess comprehension of arthropod biology, vector-borne disease mechanisms, and control strategies.

· Quizzes: Reinforce understanding of weekly topics and assigned readings.

· Research Paper and Presentation: Assess ability to conduct literature-based research, synthesize information, and communicate scientific ideas clearly.

· Case Studies: Evaluate problem-solving skills and application of concepts to real-world scenarios.

 

Other Course Information

Representative Readings:

· Service, M. (2012). Medical Entomology for Students (5th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

· Burgess, N. & Cowan, G.O. (2011). A Color Atlas of Medical Entomology. Springer Netherlands.

· Mullen, G.R. & Durden, L.A. (2009). Medical and Veterinary Entomology. Elsevier.

· Selected journal articles and review papers available through D2L.

 

Review and Approval

December 4, 2019

February 11, 2026

 

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