Entomology

Entomology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Kindergarten-aged children experience hands-on learning and exploration during a University of Wisconsin-Madison Insect Ambassadors outreach program. (Photo by: Jeff Miller)

Advisors: Sara Rodock (608-262-9926, rodock@wisc.edu). Schedule appointments online to meet with Sara. Departmental Office: 237 Russell Labs (608-262-3227) www.entomology.wisc.edu

Field of Study: The study of insects at suborganismal, organismal and population levels, including their interactions with one another and their relationships to other animals and plants.

Possible Careers: Research positions (university, government, or industry); teacher; extension entomologist (county agent); crop protection field scout; “applied” entomologist in agriculture, medical entomology, or natural resources; pest management specialist; conservationist; environmentalist; physician; veterinarian.

Special Opportunities & Additional Information:

  • First-Year Interest Group (FIG) available to entering freshmen (Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society)
  • Several courses include field trips and fieldwork, including a summer course with a trip to the Rocky Mountains and the Black Hills/Badlands.
  • The Insect Research Collection offers curatorial and field collecting expedition opportunities.
  • A faculty advisor helps make students aware of both local and national awards, including the Carl W. Schaefer Undergraduate Entomology Award (two, $500 awards distributed to entomology undergraduates each year).
  • Most undergraduate majors pursue research opportunities in faculty laboratories.
  • Four-year plan for graduation is available

Selected Required Courses for the B.S. Degree:

  • Intro Biology: Botany 130 and Zoology 101-102; or Biology 151-152
  • Calculus: Math 211, 217, or 221
  • General Chemistry: Chem 103/104 or 109
  • Organic Chemistry: Chem 341 and 342; or Chem 343, 344, 345
  • Physics: Physics 103-104; or Physics 201-202; or Physics 207-208
  • Statistics: None