Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions from Coursera

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.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Describe the evolutionary relationships between insects and their arthropod relatives

Inventory major groups of insects and their diversity

Demonstrate evolutionary adaptations that make insects successful

Discuss insect biology and human-insect interactions

Evaluate positive and negative interactions between insects and humans

Propose practical and symbolic roles insects play in human societies

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 01: Introduction to Insects and their Terrestrial Relatives

Arthropods, which includes insects, are the most speciose group of animals on the planet. In this module, we explore some of the traits that have allowed insects to dominate terrestrial landscapes around the world, and introduce you to the major insect orders you’ll deal with in the course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers fundamental insect concepts, making it an accessible starting point for beginners in entomology

Explores the diverse roles insects play in human society, from beneficial pollination to disease transmission

Taught by Dr. Maya Evenden, an experienced entomologist with expertise in insect-human interactions

Requires some background knowledge in biology, particularly in ecology and evolution

Reviews summary

Fascinating intro to insect-human interactions

According to students, Bugs 101 provides a fascinating and comprehensive introduction to the diverse world of insects and their interactions with humans. Learners particularly highlight the engaging and knowledgeable instructors whose passion makes the subject matter accessible and interesting, even for those with no prior background in entomology. The course covers a wide range of topics, from insect biology and evolution to their roles in decomposition, pollination, disease, and human culture, offering a broad and insightful overview. While serving as a great starting point, some note that the course remains at an introductory level and doesn't delve into extensive depth on every subject, requiring further study for more detailed knowledge.

Suitable for those new to entomology.

"This course is perfect for anyone with zero background in insects."

"It truly is '101' - easy to follow and understand."

"Great introduction for someone just starting to learn about bugs."

Covers a wide array of insect-human interactions.

"I enjoyed the breadth of topics, from biology to culture and IPM."

"Covers evolution, physiology, ecology, and even cultural aspects."

"Learned about many ways insects affect our lives, good and bad."

Instructors are knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

"The instructors were amazing, so passionate and knowledgeable."

"Love the professors' enthusiasm for the subject!"

"The instructors made learning about bugs genuinely interesting."

Good overview, less depth on specific topics.

"Provides a solid foundation but stays at a basic level."

"It's '101', so don't expect deep dives into everything."

"Could use more depth in certain areas if you want to specialize."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions with these activities:

Review Basic Biology Concepts

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Review key biological concepts to strengthen your foundation and prepare for the course content.

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Read through high school biology textbooks or notes.
Take practice quizzes or review diagrams.

Attend a local entomology meet-up

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Connect with fellow insect enthusiasts, share your interests, and expand your network to deepen your engagement with the material.

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Search online for entomology meet-up groups in your area
Join the group and attend a meet-up
Introduce yourself and share your interests

Explore Tarantula Collective tutorials on insect collection

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Expand your knowledge of insect collection techniques to enhance your understanding of insect diversity covered in the course.

Browse courses on Arthropods

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Review the Tarantula Collective website
Choose a tutorial that focuses on insect collection
Practice the techniques described in the tutorial

Six other activities

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Form a study group for discussing insect biology

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Engage with course material through peer-led discussions, solidifying your understanding of insect biology.

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Reach out to classmates and invite them to join a study group
Choose a meeting time and place
Prepare discussion topics based on course material

Design a bug ID infographic

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Create an infographic that helps you easily identify common insects you might observe in your area to reinforce class material on insect diversity.

Browse courses on Identification

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Gather photos of common insects in your area
Research key identifying characteristics of each insect
Design the infographic in an accessible and visually appealing manner

Review 'The Insect Crisis' by Oliver Milman

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Gain insights into the current challenges facing insects and their impact on our world, expanding your understanding of the importance of insect conservation.

View The Insect Crisis: The Fall of the Tiny Empires... on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1 and 3 of the book
Summarize the main points
Reflect on the implications of the material for insect conservation

Develop an insect-inspired art project

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Reinforce your understanding of insect adaptations and their significance by creating an art project inspired by an insect's unique features.

Browse courses on Art

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Research different insect adaptations
Choose an adaptation to focus on
Design an art project that incorporates the chosen adaptation
Create the art project

Build an insect-friendly garden

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Put your knowledge of insect biology and ecology into practice by creating an environment that supports insect populations.

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Design your insect-friendly garden
Choose native plants that attract beneficial insects
Provide sources of food, water, and shelter for insects
Observe and record the insects that visit your garden

Mentor a younger student interested in entomology

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Deepen your understanding of course material by sharing your knowledge and guiding a younger student interested in entomology.

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Reach out to local schools or youth organizations
Offer your services as a mentor
Meet with your mentee regularly to share your knowledge and provide guidance

Career center

Learners who complete Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Entomologist

Entomologists study insects and their interactions with humans and the environment. This course provides a comprehensive overview of entomology, including insect biology, behavior, and ecology. The knowledge gained in this course is essential for Entomologists to conduct research, develop pest management strategies, and contribute to the conservation of insects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entomologist

Medical Entomologist

Medical Entomologists study insects that affect human health. This course provides a comprehensive overview of insect-borne diseases, including their transmission, prevention, and control. The knowledge gained in this course can help Medical Entomologists develop effective strategies to prevent and control insect-borne diseases and protect public health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Entomologist

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists work to protect and manage natural resources, including insects. This course provides a comprehensive overview of insect conservation, including the threats facing insects and the strategies used to protect them. The knowledge gained in this course can help Conservation Scientists develop effective conservation plans and advocate for the protection of insects and their habitats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and spread of diseases, including those transmitted by insects. This course provides a comprehensive overview of insect-borne diseases, including their transmission, prevention, and control. The knowledge gained in this course can help Epidemiologists develop effective strategies to prevent and control insect-borne diseases and protect public health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases in animals, including those caused by insects. This course provides a comprehensive overview of insect-borne diseases, including their transmission, prevention, and control. The knowledge gained in this course can help Veterinarians recognize and treat insect-borne diseases in animals and provide appropriate patient care.

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Forensic Entomologist

Forensic Entomologists use insects to investigate crimes. This course provides a strong foundation in entomology, including insect biology, behavior, and ecology. The knowledge gained in this course can help Forensic Entomologists determine the time and cause of death, and identify the location of a crime scene.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Entomologist

Pest Management Professional

Pest Management Professionals develop and implement strategies to control pests, including insects. This course provides a comprehensive overview of insect biology, behavior, and ecology. The knowledge gained in this course can help Pest Management Professionals identify and control insect pests in a variety of settings, including homes, businesses, and agricultural fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pest Management Professional

Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat diseases, including those caused by insects. This course provides a comprehensive overview of insect-borne diseases, including their transmission, prevention, and control. The knowledge gained in this course can help Physicians recognize and treat insect-borne diseases and provide appropriate patient care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

Agricultural and Food Scientist

Agricultural and Food Scientists apply biological, chemical, and physical sciences, including entomology, to improve the efficiency of producing, processing, and distributing agricultural products. This course provides a comprehensive overview of insect-human interactions, including their roles in pollination, pest control, and disease transmission, which are all important factors in agricultural production. The knowledge gained in this course can help Agricultural and Food Scientists make informed decisions to optimize agricultural practices and ensure the safety and quality of food products.

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Biologist

Biologists study living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. This course provides a solid foundation in entomology, which is the study of insects, and explores their diverse roles in ecosystems. The knowledge gained in this course can help Biologists understand the complex relationships between insects and other organisms, and how these interactions shape the natural world.

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Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microorganisms, including insects. This course provides a strong foundation in insect biology, including their anatomy, physiology, and behavior. The knowledge gained in this course can help Microbiologists understand the role of insects in the transmission of diseases and develop new strategies to control insect-borne diseases.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists work to protect and manage the environment. This course provides a strong foundation in entomology, which is the study of insects, and explores their roles in ecosystems. The knowledge gained in this course can help Environmental Scientists understand the complex relationships between insects and the environment, and how human activities can impact these relationships.

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Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. This course provides a strong foundation in entomology, which is the study of insects, and explores their roles in ecosystems. The knowledge gained in this course can help Ecologists understand the complex relationships between insects and other organisms, and how these interactions shape the natural world.

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Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs on living organisms, including insects. This course provides a strong foundation in insect biology, including their anatomy, physiology, and behavior. The knowledge gained in this course can help Pharmacologists develop new drugs and treatments for insect-borne diseases.

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Geneticist

Geneticists study genes and heredity. This course provides a strong foundation in insect genetics, including the inheritance of traits and the evolution of insect populations. The knowledge gained in this course can help Geneticists understand the genetic basis of insect biology and behavior, and develop new strategies to control insect pests and diseases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geneticist