AGC702: Molecular Entomology / Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology

Provides a broad perspective on the molecular biology of insects and a specific focus on aspects relating to the transmission of insect-borne diseases. Also provides an introduction to insect physiology, developmental biology, genomics and molecular evolution and ecology. Includes several modules addressing molecular mechanisms implicated in insect – host and insect - pathogen interaction, which are essential for disease transmission. Provides background information on essential methodologies used in molecular entomological research and discusses the importance of molecular entomology for the development of disease control strategies. The basic developmental, genetic and genomic focused modules utilize the wealth of knowledge gained from studies in the model insect organism Drosophila, while modules focusing on insects’ role in disease transmission focus on the mosquito vector of malaria Anopheles.