Entomology, Ph.D. - University of W

The Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides students with a comprehensive understanding of entomology, encompassing suborganismal, organismal, and applied aspects. The program emphasizes research skills, scientific literature proficiency, and critical thinking, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, government, industry, and non-profit organizations. Students engage in hands-on research experiences and coursework covering insect taxonomy, ecology, physiology, and applied entomology.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides students with a broad knowledge base in entomology, encompassing suborganismal, organismal, and applied aspects of the field. The program emphasizes the development of state-of-the-art research skills and proficiency in the scientific literature. Students are expected to integrate their research findings with prior knowledge to demonstrate expertise in entomological science, advancing the current body of knowledge in the field and related disciplines. The program fosters critical thinking skills in problem definition, logical reasoning, and scientific argumentation. Additionally, it enhances written and oral communication abilities, preparing students for effective dissemination of their research findings.

Outline:

The coursework for the Ph.D. in Entomology consists of core courses, organismal, suborganismal, and applied courses, and seminars. Students are required to take the following core course:

Introduction to Entomology (ENTOM/ZOOLOGY 302)

Organismal Courses:

Students must select at least three credits from each of the following categories:

Taxonomy of Mature Insects (ENTOM 331)
Taxonomy and Bionomics of Immature Insects (ENTOM 432)
Basic and Applied Insect Ecology 1 (ENTOM 450)
Basic and Applied Insect Ecology Laboratory (ENTOM 451)
Plant-Insect Interactions (ENTOM/BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 473)
Ecotoxicology: The Chemical Players (ENTOM/AGRONOMY/F&W ECOL/M&ENVTOX 632)
Ecotoxicology: Impacts on Individuals (ENTOM/AGRONOMY/F&W ECOL/M&ENVTOX 633)
Ecotoxicology: Impacts on Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems (ENTOM/AGRONOMY/F&W ECOL/M&ENVTOX 634)
Advanced Taxonomy (ENTOM 701)

Suborganismal Courses:

Physiology of Insects (ENTOM 321)
Plant-Microbe Interactions: Molecular and Ecological Aspects (ENTOM/BOTANY/PL PATH 505)
Molecular Ecology (ENTOM/GENETICS/ZOOLOGY 624)

Applied Courses:

Students must select at least one course from the following list:

Parasitology (ENTOM/M M & I/PATH-BIO/ZOOLOGY 350)
Medical Entomology (ENTOM/ZOOLOGY 371)
Basic and Applied Insect Ecology (ENTOM 450)
Basic and Applied Insect Ecology Laboratory (ENTOM 451)

Seminars

Students are required to take two seminars in consultation with their advisor, which may include seminars from outside departments.

Seminar in Methods of Scientific Oral Presentations (ENTOM 601)
Colloquium (ENTOM 801)
Special Topics (ENTOM 875)

Teaching:

The program utilizes various teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, laboratory sessions, and field-based work. Faculty members engage students in hands-on research experiences and provide mentorship throughout the program. The department also encourages student involvement in research presentations, workshops, and conferences.

Careers:

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Entomology are well-prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, environmental consulting firms, industry, and non-profit organizations. They may pursue roles such as research scientists, entomologists, educators, policy analysts, or environmental consultants, contributing to the advancement of entomological knowledge and practice and addressing real-world challenges related to insects and their interactions with ecosystems and human society.