Insect Biology
CONS 332:
- Describe the relationship of insects to other related arthropods
- Identify external features of insect anatomy and relate them to the function they serve in the environment
- Recognize internal anatomy of insects
- Identify orders of insects by sight
- Relate form and function to the life history of insects
CONS 333:
- Utilize field collection and monitoring techniques (e.g. traps, sampling designs)
- Engage in insect specimen pinning and preparation
- Practice natural history illustration skills
- Practice insect dissection skills
- Conduct insect behavioral observation
- Dates
CONS 332: June 8–July 28, 2026 | Mason’s academic calendar
CONS 333: July 20–24, 2026
- Available Formats
CONS 332: Asynchronous, online (3 credits)
CONS 333: In-person*, residential lab (1 credit)
Location for CONS 333: Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Front Royal, VA. Additional housing and dining fees will apply.
- Cost
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CONS 333 Mandatory Room and Board – All students participating in the one-week lab course will be required to stay onsite for one academic week (July 20–24).
Room and board (to be posted on student accounts): $372.95
Linen package for twin extra-long bed: $17 (includes sheets and towels). Students may also bring their own linens.
- Who is eligible?
3rd- and 4th-year undergraduates and non-degree-seeking students from any accredited college or university. Prerequisites: BIOL 300 or 308, or equivalent.
CONS 333 Prerequisite: CONS 332 (may be enrolled at the same time)
Meet the Faculty
Curriculum
As the most diverse group of land animals in the world, insects have an amazing array of physical forms and structures to help them make their way in the world. Understanding the origins of these structures can help us understand a lot about insect evolution and the many ways their life history plays out. In CONS 332: Insect Biology, you will learn how to recognize external and internal features of insect anatomy and how they are modified in different insect groups. You will also learn the principles of sight identification and learn how to recognize the major insect orders without special equipment.
The course may be taken along with the optional one-week, in-person residential experience at the SMSC campus in Front Royal, Virginia where participants will learn and practice a wide variety of entomological techniques and take advantage of our large teaching collection of specimens.
Insects: villains or victors?
From disease vectors to champions of biodiversity, adaptation, and recycling, are bugs tiny terrors, or the VIPs of our planet? Dive into Insect Biology to uncover the truth!
