Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: WOODWORM WISDOM: THE ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR OF TERMITES (MARTEL)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Through a study of termites, this course will encourage students to consider the question: “How can we recognize and appreciate beauty in forms of life different from our own?”, Through an exploration of subterranean tunnels and 30-foot dirt mounds, students will follow termites as they navigate landscapes using celestial cues or Earth's magnetic fields. The journey includes observing termite activities such as farming fungi, constructing caverns, and dodging desiccation. Class sessions will feature concise lectures, engaging discussions, and hands-on activities. While students may be required to read scholarly articles in preparation for class, there will be no exams. Instead, the emphasis is on fostering a deep understanding of termite behavior and developing the ability to discern the ways in which termites affect their environments. By the end of the course, students will be able to articulate at least three interesting facts about termites.