Introduction to Entomology covering principles of insect morphology and classification, with outcomes focusing on identifying anatomical structures and classifying insects.
Past student reviews · Dan Young
The class was described as very time-consuming and required significant memorization of Latin names. While not extraordinarily hard, it demanded a lot of work, though the instructor helped students through the material.
Identify and describe the external and internal anatomical structures of insects, including specialized mouthparts, wing structures, and leg adaptations.
Classify insects into their respective orders and families using taxonomic keys, and describe the hierarchical levels of classification within the Phylum Arthropoda.
Differentiate between the types of metamorphosis (e.g., holometabolous, hemimetabolous) and discuss the selective advantages of each developmental pathway.
Explain the ecological roles of insects, their trophic interactions, and their significance in various ecosystems, including their economic impact on agriculture and human health.
Collect, preserve, and accurately identify insect specimens, demonstrating proficiency in using entomological tools and techniques.
Describe the physiological processes of insects, including digestion, circulation, and respiration, and compare these processes to those of other organisms.
Discuss the evolutionary significance of insects, including concepts of mimicry, adaptation, and the evolutionary relationships among different insect groups.
Source: UW Guide 1· UW Guide 2
All recorded terms · compare terms & instructors
ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 101,ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151,ZOOLOGY 153, or BIOCORE 381
“Used by” includes alternatives; linked courses may have other requirements. This is a best-effort interpretation; check the catalog requirements above.
Raw average: 4.84/5 from 68 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.
For this course: 5.0/5 raw quality · 3.0/5 difficulty · 6 reviews
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
Past student reviews · Dan Young
Dan Young taught a course that students found very time-consuming and requiring a lot of memorization, though not extraordinarily hard; he helped them through the work, and one found the collection the most fun part. His lectures and labs were praised, one student loved the exams, while another said lab exams could be a pain.
Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
Schedule loads here as you scroll.
| Section | Mode | Enrolled / capacity | Waitlist |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 45 | 0 |
| LAB 401 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 15 | 0 |
| LAB 402 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 15 | 0 |
| LAB 403 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 15 | 0 |
| LEC 001 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 45 | 0 |
| LAB 401 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 15 | 0 |
| LAB 402 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 15 | 0 |
| LAB 403 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 15 | 0 |
Times are Central. Select a meeting for details; export includes recorded dates for the selected sections. Enrollment reflects scan time.
Past student reviews · Dan Young
Dan Young taught this course with high enthusiasm, earning praise for his lectures and labs. Students found the material engaging, with one noting it inspired them to major in entomology.
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2025: 3.33 GPA, 65.6% A/AB (n=32 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.25 GPA, 60.0% A/AB (n=30 letter grades); Spring 2026: 3.17 GPA, 55.2% A/AB (n=29 letter grades).
Past student reviews · Dan Young
The class was described as very time-consuming and required significant memorization of Latin names. While not extraordinarily hard, it demanded a lot of work, though the instructor helped students through the material.
Past student reviews · Dan Young
Students enjoyed the field work and collection aspects of the course. However, some found lab exams to be a pain, contrasting with the fun of the practical activities.
Latest available · Spring 2026— not enough history to project Spring 2027.
Through Spring 2026
Not enough comparable courses for Spring 2027 in UW–Madison.
Descriptions, prerequisites, and recorded course offerings.
Observations at scan time; dates do not imply when a catalog change took effect.
Introduction to Entomology
Recorded 2026-10-14Introduction to Entomology
Recorded 2026-10-14[
{
"run_id": "20261014T203208-0851c9a1",
"semester": "1274",
"observed_at": "2026-10-14 17:50:09.728220+00:00",
"offering_id": "1274:355:007084",
"course_id": "ENTOM/ZOOLOGY 302",
"course_uid": "course_1d0d1f74ea6f129d23b1ea11",
"term_id": "1274",
"source_course_id": "007084",
"source_subject_id": "355",
"title": "Introduction to Entomology",
"credits_min": 4,
"credits_max": 4,
"typically_offered": "Fall, Spring"
},
{
"run_id": "20261014T203208-0851c9a1",
"semester": "1274",
"observed_at": "2026-10-14 17:50:09.728220+00:00",
"offering_id": "1274:970:007084",
"course_id": "ENTOM/ZOOLOGY 302",
"course_uid": "course_1d0d1f74ea6f129d23b1ea11",
"term_id": "1274",
"source_course_id": "007084",
"source_subject_id": "970",
"title": "Introduction to Entomology",
"credits_min": 4,
"credits_max": 4,
"typically_offered": "Fall, Spring"
}
]Original comments behind the course and instructor summaries.
Recorded grade distributions by term, section, and instructor.
Explore recorded gradesRecorded 2026-10-14
Recorded model configuration, reasoning, and tool conversations.
{
"model": "Qwen/Qwen3.8-27B",
"model_revision": "1d4bf0f2ff6012fd82039f2fa52739d0dd7c60c0",
"task_version": "17",
"output_id": "1a9af6c2af59ca0a70d7aad30c11ea1c319ee95e56d0f591da976c2819425332",
"requirements_status": "valid",
"dataset_revision": "fc1811fa52e581ea57a35c0cf3343f8740a8ffbf",
"observed_at": "2026-10-14 17:50:09.728220+00:00"
}