1. Importance of Insects

• A Class of Distinction
• Impact of Insects
• Cultural Entomology
• Reasons for Success

2. Systematics and Taxonomy

a. Evolution and Diversity

• Introduction to Systematics
• The Arthropods
• Hexapods

b. Class Insecta

• Apterygota
• Pterygota
• Polyneoptera
• Paraneoptera
• Holometabola

3. External Anatomy

• Exoskeleton
• Head
  • Antennae
  • Mouthparts
• Thorax
  • Legs
  • Wings
  • Locomotion
• Abdomen

4. Growth and Development

• Egg Structure
• Embryogenesis
• Morphogenesis

5. Internal Anatomy and Physiology

• Endocrine System
  • Hormonal Control of Molting & Metamorphosis
• Digestive & Excretory Systems
  • Insect Nutrition
• Circulatory System
• Respiratory System
  • Respiration in Aquatic Insects
• Reproductive System
  • Males
  • Females
• Nervous System

6. Behavior

• Nervous System
• Insect Senses
  • Mechanoreceptors
  • Chemoreceptors
  • Photoreceptors
    • Color Vision
• Elements of Behavior
  • Innate Behavior
  • Learned Behavior
  • Complex Behavior
• Periodic Behavior
• Communication
  • Tactile Communication
  • Acoustic Communication
  • Chemical Communication
  • Visual Communication
• Social Insects
  • Termites
  • Ants
  • Social Bees
  • Social Wasps

7. Ecology

• Trophic Levels
  • Herbivores
  • Carnivores
  • Decomposers
• Survival Strategies
• Insect Defenses
• Population Dynamics
• Lifetables
• Physiological Time

8. Applied Entomology

a. Insects as Pests

• Insects as Pests
  • Pests of Medical Importance
  • Plant Pests
  • Pest Management
  • Economics of Pest Management

b. Pest Management

• Pest Control Tactics
  • Cultural Control
  • Biological Control
  • Breeding for Host Resistance
  • Legal & Regulatory Control
  • Physical & Mechanical Control
  • Eugenics & Birth Control
  • Chemical Control – Semiochemicals
  • Chemical Control — Conventional Insecticides
  • Integrated Control
• Regulatory Entomology
• Toxicity
• Labels and Rates
• Resistance to Pesticides

c. Major Arthropod Pests in North Carolina