ENTOM 3630

Bugs in Bugs– Insect Pathology and Immunity

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Bugs in Bugs: Insect Pathology and Immunity provides an overview of the major groups of internal pathogens and parasites that infect insects in natural and managed settings, as well as the fundamental structure of the insect immune system for combatting infection. Major pathogen groups covered include viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasitoids, nematodes and other parasites. The course will examine infection strategies used by each pathogen group and the mode of host immune defense deployed against each pathogen. At the population level, the course will examine epidemiological and evolutionary outcomes of infection.

Distribution Requirements (BSC-AG)

Last 3 terms offered 2022SP, 2020SP, 2018SP

Learning Outcomes REF-FA25

• Describe general characteristics of parasites, parasitoids, bacterial symbionts and pathogens, viruses, and fungi associated with insects and other arthropods in natural and managed settings.
• Describe the basic functions of insect immune systems and how they compare to immune functions in vertebrates and plants.
• Analyze illustrative examples of insect pathogenesis and evaluate consequences at the individual and population levels.
• Describe current scientific literature and apply it to novel cases, both individually and in discussion with peers.

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