Wikipedia:Wiki Ed/University of California, Irvine/Honors Topics Bio Sci (Spring Quarter 2024)

The objectives of this Honors class are to develop scientific reading, writing, and presentation skills using insect model systems for understanding how insects are affected by diseases, pesticides, drought, and global warming. We will examine the economic benefit of insects, the world-wide decline of insect populations, colony collapse disorder, the impact of pesticides and herbicides on insect foraging behavior, and adaptations to water loss and high temperatures. We will read the primary scientific literature and practice the complex art of scientific communication. The writing and public speaking skills you develop in this class will be useful in a variety of settings after graduation from UCI. A significant part of the course grade will be based on improving existing Wikipedia articles on Orange County insects by adding or improving sections on their biology.