Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/Y003497/1
Research Skills in Entomology
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Dr H Campbell, Harper Adams University, Agriculture and Environment
- Grant held at:
- Harper Adams University, Agriculture and Environment
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Systematics & Taxonomy
- Environmental Informatics
- Survey & Monitoring
- Abstract:
- Research skills in entomology - July 2024 Many short courses are available on identifying a single insect group or using a specific R package. This training uniquely combines research planning and data analysis with field methods and identification skills to give attendees a holistic skill set around research methods in entomology. It will be impactful in providing trainees with an overview of the considerations of conducting entomology field research as well as training in collections-based methods. The course will cover data management and presentation, an oft-neglected topic that frequently hinders progress for early career researchers in carrying out data analysis and interpretation. Day 1 AM: Introduction. Course introduction, followed by lectures on i) taxonomic principles, ii) biodiversity and ecology for entomologists, and iii) evolutionary ecology. PM: Field methods. Workshop discussion on the suitability of field collecting methods for different taxa and habitats. Field-based practical training in techniques for sampling flying insects and those found on vegetation. Day 2 AM: Field methods. Collection of day 1 traps with moth identification taking place in the field. Moth trapping will be used as an exemplar of best practice for field data collection and to demonstrate the use of digital recording schemes. Further training on field techniques for sampling ground-dwelling insects. PM: Research planning. A team-based active learning workshop using project planning tools and mind mapping software. Activities will focus on forming testable research questions, developing them into hypotheses and creating an appropriate field sampling design. Attendees can use examples provided from real ecological data or create plans based on their research area. The workshop will lay the foundations for integrating good experimental design with effectual data collection and statistical analysis. Day 3: Curation. Lab-based training day beginning with lectures on i) current knowledge on the systematic biology of insect orders, ii) insect external anatomy, and iii) the use of traditional identification keys alongside free, open source ID resources. Training on how to perform sample sorting and preliminary identification into higher-level taxa, followed by morphospecies sorting and the use of keys for detailed identifications. Attendees will be shown how to prepare specimens using appropriate pinning and mounting techniques, as well as how to label and curate a collection including consideration of imaging and databasing requirements. Critical discussions will focus on organisation and management of collections data. Day 4 AM: Ecological data. Computer-lab tutorial on statistical analysis and interpretation of ecological data in R using the latest R packages. Attendees will be introduced to the unique challenges of analysing ecological data and given guidance on how to tackle this. PM: Identification. Lab-practical on identifying insects in the mega-diverse orders Hymenoptera and Diptera, accompanied by lectures on the biology, taxonomy, diversity and evolution of the groups. Specifically, knowledge will be set in the context of ever-changing scientific research with a focus on how taxonomic systems reflect cutting-edge findings in evolutionary biology. Day 5 AM. Molecular data. Computer lab tutorial on the analysis and interpretation of molecular phylogenetic and population data and the importance of taxonomy in barcoding. This session emphasises data curation and the importance of high-quality databases underpinned by expert taxonomy. PM Identification. Session to follow the same format as day 4 but focusing on the orders Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Day 6 AM: Identification. Session to follow the same format as day 4 but focusing on Hemiptera and smaller orders. PM. Workshop on data interpretation and presentation with a focus on data visualisation tools and techniques.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/Y003497/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Advanced Training
This training grant award has a total value of £39,299
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Other Costs |
|---|
| £39,298 |
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