Entomology, Bachelor of Science College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

The Major Program

The Entomology major is a general biological science program. The curriculum is designed to develop an understanding of fundamental biological concepts by studying insects. Insects offer unique opportunities to study biological systems and are model experimental animals. Many insects are either pests, or beneficial species that have great importance to the economy, environment or public health. Students may focus on specific areas of interest including agricultural entomology; insect systematics & evolution; behavior & ecology; medical entomology; and insect molecular biology, physiology & toxicology.

The Program

Students begin their study in Entomology with selected insect biology courses. After completing these courses, students may enroll in courses in their particular area of interest. The faculty encourages students to do research internships in their laboratories.

Career Alternatives

Entomology graduates find careers in many different areas of applied or basic biology. Graduates have the opportunity to continue in professional graduate programs such as veterinary or human medicine, or get advanced degrees leading to careers in biotechnology, conservation biology, or academic teaching and research. Many graduates have participated in internship programs with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and found careers in insect diagnostic laboratories, conducting insect surveys, and/or developing entomological collections. Other graduates have worked in agriculture in the area of insect pest management. Graduates are prepared for managerial and technical positions with state and federal agencies and in agricultural production and supporting industries. Some Entomology graduates pursue careers in primary, secondary, and college level science education.

Lead Faculty Advisor

S. Siddique, R. Vannette

Academic Advisor

E. Galvan Hack

Advising Center for the major, including peer advising, is located in 150 Hutchison Hall, 530-754-4131. Academic Advisor located in 160 Hutchison Hall; 530-754-7277; ent-advise@ucdavis.edu.

The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Degree Requirements & College Degree Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Entomology Bachelor of Science is 100.

Preparatory Subject Matter
Biological Science
BIS 002AIntroduction to Biology: Essentials of Life on Earth5
BIS 002BIntroduction to Biology: Principles of Ecology & Evolution5
BIS 002CIntroduction to Biology: Biodiversity & the Tree of Life5
Chemistry
CHE 002AGeneral Chemistry5
CHE 002BGeneral Chemistry5
Choose a series:6-8
Organic Chemistry: Brief Course
and Organic Chemistry: Brief Course
Organic Chemistry for Health & Life Sciences
and Organic Chemistry for Health & Life Sciences
Math
Choose a series:6-8
Short Calculus
Short Calculus
OR
Calculus for Biology & Medicine
Calculus for Biology & Medicine
OR
Calculus
Calculus
Physics
PHY 001APrinciples of Physics3
PHY 001BPrinciples of Physics3
Choose one:3-4
Elementary Statistics
Elementary Statistics
Gateway to Statistical Data Science
Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences
Applied Statistics in Agricultural Sciences
Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal46-51
Depth Subject Matter
Biological Science
BIS 101Genes & Gene Expression4
Evolution & Ecology
EVE 100Introduction to Evolution4
General Entomology
ENT 100General Entomology4
ENT 100LGeneral Entomology Laboratory 2
ENT 102Insect Physiology 4
Choose one:3-4
Introductory Microbiology
General Virology
or MIC 162 DISCONTINUED
Introductory Mycology
Introduction to Plant Pathology
Choose one:4
Insect Ecology
General Ecology
Introduction to Ecology
Choose BIS 105 or a series:3-10
Biomolecules & Metabolism
OR
Structure & Function of Biomolecules
and Bioenergetics & Metabolism
OR
Animal Biochemistry & Metabolism
and Animal Biochemistry & Metabolism
Choose at least 3 units:3-7
Insects Systematics
Behavioral Ecology of Insects
California Insect Diversity
Field Taxonomy & Ecology
Introduction to Nematology
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal31-43
Restricted Electives 1
Upper division Entomology (ENT) & Nematology (NEM) courses. 14
Upper division electives related to student's interest with approval of advisor. Any courses in the life sciences, scientific writing, or statistics will be automatically approved; see advisor for other choices.9
Restricted Electives Subtotal23
Total Units100-117
1

Note: No more than a total of 6 units from ENT 192, ENT 197T and ENT 199 may count toward fulfilling depth subject matter or restricted elective units.