MASTER OF SCIENCE TROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY (MTE)
| Module Code | Module Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MTE501 | Biostatistics, Experimental Design and Modelling | What is research: Why do research, The scientific method, Ethics in science. The research process: Problem definition and selection, Problem analysis, Study plan. The research proposal: Guidelines for writing a proposal, Planning the research, Site selection, Sampling units, Replication. Data collection: Primary and secondary data, Sources of data. Statistical and data management software: Overview of software, Choice of appropriate package, Data entry and data management. Sampling: Random number tables, Simple random sampling, Stratified random sampling, Systematic sampling, Quadrat sampling. Surveys: Planning a survey, Types of surveys, Phases of a survey, How to sample, Questionnaire design, Implementing a survey, Data management, Tabulation and further data analysis, Reporting. Modelling: Multiple linear regression, Model checking and dealing with deviations from model assumptions, General linear models, Model checking and dealing with deviations from model assumptions, comparison of means, Introduction to REML, Introduction to generalised linear models. Simple time series models: Time series plots, Components of a time series, Smoothing. Analysis of distribution of free data (non-parametrics): Ranked data, Scores, Alternative methods of data analysis. Multivariate methods: Cluster methods, Principle component analysis, Discriminant analysis, Factor analysis. Presentation of research: Logging of data entry, Validation and analysis, Data presentation, Graphs and diagrams, Report writing. |
| MTE502 | Insect Functional Morphology and Systematics | Form and structure of the insect head and its appendages; Modifications of mouthparts, neck and thorax; Leg adaptations and articulations; Origin and development of wings (wing modifications and articulations); Appendages and processes of the abdomen (stridulation, musculature, spiracles, trachea); Modifications of the respiratory system; Modifications of the alimentary, reproductive and nervous systems; Embryonic and post-embryonic development; Taxonomy and nomenclature; International Code of Zoological Nomenclature; Species concept and speciation; Evolution; Collection and curatorial techniques; Organization of insect genomes; Genetic manipulation of insect populations; Insect identification using cytology and genetics. |
| MTE503 | Insect Physiology and Biochemistry | Gross structure and functions of the insect integument parts; Ecdysis and sclerotinization; Physiology of insect locomotion; Energetics of flight and flight metabolism; Physiology of insect respiration; Generalised anatomy of the insect digestive system; Extra-intestinal digestion (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids); Enzyme activity and effects of pH and temperature; Absorption (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, water, inorganic ions); Nutrition and intermediary metabolism; Water balance and osmoregulation; Excretion; Circulatory system; Nervous and neuroendocrine systems; Hormone analogues as insecticides; Physiology of aging, diapause and hibernation; Chemical defence mechanisms; Thermoregulation; Biochemical basis of insecticide resistance. |
|
MTE504 |
Insect Ecology and Behaviour | Population ecology (measurement and factors regulating insect populations); Predator-prey and host-parasitoid relationships; Competitive interactions and consequences; Pest migrations; Mortality and survivorship; Construction and analysis of life tables and their use in applied entomology; Mating and feeding behaviour, response to host stimuli; Communication and activity patterns in insect populations; Behaviour and ecology of insect natural enemies; Functional and numerical responses; Ecology and behaviour of insects as foundations for effective pest management. |
| MTE505 | Medical and Veterinary Entomology | Pests of medical and veterinary importance (including epidemiology, diagnostic, parasitology and immunology). Biology and ecology of mosquito vectors of malaria, tsetse and fleas. Epidemiology of plague; Houseflies, blowflies and myiasis; Ticks as vectors of animal diseases; Integrated vector control; Vector insecticide resistance; Screening of insecticides and acaricides; Insect defence mechanisms against parasites; Genetics of vectorial capacity; Analysis of insect age structure with reference to mosquitoes; Insectary design, construction and controls. |
| MTE506 | Agricultural Entomology | Biology, ecology, economic importance and control of general pests (locusts, African armyworm, cotton bollworm); Scouting and/or sampling protocols for specific pests; Biology, ecology and management of specific insect and mite pests of particular crops; Case histories of invasive alien insect pests and their management. |
| MTE507 | Stored Product Entomology | Stored grain ecosystem; Primary and secondary pests of stored grain; sources of primary infestation of grain; Sampling and assessment of stored grain weight losses; postharvest loss assessments in general; Biology and ecology of selected pests; Control of some primary and secondary insect pests of stored grain and pulses; General biology and ecology of rodents; control of rodents. |
| MTE508 | Forest Entomology | Forests and their dynamics; Forest insects and human interactions: invasive species, beneficial forest insects and their products; Diversity of forest insects: defoliators, sap-feeders, wood borers of living trees, pests of reproductive structures, gall-formers, terminal and root insects, pests of logs, lumber and forest products; Termites: termites attacking living trees, subterranean termites, dry wood termites, beneficial role of termites; Forest insect dynamics; Forest insect pest management: sampling in a forest ecosystem, monitoring and assessment of damage and outbreaks; decision-making, breeding for resistance, biological control, biotic insecticides, chemical control, use of semiochemicals; Forest insects as food. |
| MTE570 | Research Methods | This course will cover the scientific method, Ethics in science. The research process: Problem definition and selection, Problem analysis, Study plan. The research proposal: Guidelines for writing a proposal, Planning the research, Site selection, Sampling units, Replication. Data collection: Primary and secondary data, Sources of data. Statistical and data management software: Overview of software, Choice of appropriate package, Data entry and data management. Sampling: Random number tables, Simple random sampling, Stratified random sampling, Systematic sampling, Quadrat sampling. Surveys: Planning a survey, Types of surveys, Phases of a survey, How to sample,Questionnaire design, Implementing a survey, Data management, Tabulation and further data analysis, Reporting. Modelling: Multiple linear regression, Model checking and dealing with deviations from model assumptions, General linear models, Model checking and dealing with deviations from model assumptions, comparison of means, Introduction to REML, Introduction to generalised linear models. Simple time series models: Time series plots, Components of a time series, Smoothing. Analysis of distribution of free data (non-parametrics): Ranked data, Scores, Alternative methods of data analysis. Multivariate methods: Cluster methods, Principle component analysis, Discriminant analysis, Factor analysis. Presentation of research: Logging of data entry, Validation and analysis, Data presentation, Graphs and diagrams, Report writing. |