Entomology
Entomology is a specialised branch of science that deals with the study of insects, vermin, scorpions, spiders and similar other species. It can be classified as a sub field of zoology, which is in turn a branch of biology. Sometimes known as insectology, entomology also deals with the study and classification of arthropods- an invertebrate animal having an exoskeleton (external skeleton), a segmented body and jointed appendages. Entomology is an enormous field of study, which has various subdivisions within it. These may include morphology, physiology, zoological categories of genetics, taxonomy, behaviour, ecology, nutrition of insects, as well limited forays into forensics and paleontology. The study of entomology can provide interesting clues into the history of life on Earth and it can also be used to make projections about the future. The study of insects serves as the basis for developments in biological and chemical pest control, biotechnological research and development, food and product storage. Entomology is an ideal career for those who are fascinated with the world of insects or animals and agriculture profession. Those who are involved in this field are termed as entomologists. Entomologists are biological scientists who work in the animal world carrying out insect explorations. They are experts who specialize in the identification, classification, observation and conservation of insects and arthropods. Entomologists examine insects and their relationships to plants, environment, humans, animals, agricultural sites and other organisms. They are the persons responsible for the identification of various species of insects, both harmful and harmless to plants, animals and humans. Entomologists study and carry out research activities on insects and related life forms based on their life cycle, physiological factors and so on. They work to protect the environment; sustain agricultural production; prevent the spread of disease; help farmers to produce food and save endangered species. Entomologists are also concerned with the study of urban pests, forest pests, agricultural pests and medical and veterinary pests and their control. They conduct research to develop new and improved methods and technologies to control or eliminate pests. Entomologists can specialise in a single order or a specific family of insects. These may include : • Apiology - the scientific study of bees, especially honeybees • Myrmecology - the scientific study of ants • Trichopterology - study of caddisflies • Dipterology - the scientific study of flies, including houseflies, mosquitoes and gnats • Hemipterology - the scientific study related to bedbugs, squashbugs and aphids • Lepidopterology - deals with the study of moths and butterflies • Coleopterology - the study of beetles • Orthopterology - the scientific study of orthoptera, including grasshoppers, cockroaches, crickets, mantises etc. Job opportunities are available for entomologists in technical as well as administrative and research line. Working conditions of entomologists depend on the type of their job. While some entomologists work in the field, others may work in the laboratory, classroom or find niches in regulatory entomology or the pest control industry. ________________________________________ Eligibility o work as an Entomologist, a candidate have to pursue post graduation, M Phil or PhD programs in Entomology. Entomology is taught as a sub specialization of agricultural sciences, veterinary sciences and forestry. Entomology courses are available only at the advanced levels. Only few institutes in India are offering B.Sc. Entomology course. Candidates who have passed 10+2 in science stream with physics, chemistry and biology (botany / zoology) can opt for any 3 year bachelors degree course in biological sciences (i.e B.Sc Biology/ Agricultural Science/ Forestry/ Zoology/ Botony/ Life Sciences/ Microbiology etc.) After graduation, aspirants can go for 2 years Post graduate course in Entomology or its related fields. The admission will be based on entrance examination. However, obtaining an advanced degree in Entomology (i.e PhD or MPhil) is required for those seeking positions in education or advanced research. Post Graduates in entomology or equivalent qualification from recognized universities are required for Doctoral degree / Ph.D. Courses. Candidates are selected to these courses on the basis of marks obtained in the written entrance examination. Some of the specializations offered in the field of entomology are agricultural entomology, forest entomology, medical entomology and military entomology, insect ecology, insect physiology, veterinary entomology and insecticide toxicology. Course Details : Course of study in the field of entomology deals with the life cycle, genetics and bodily processes of insects and also the interactions between insects and their environments. An entomology program covers a variety of topics, including insect anatomy, biology and physiology, aquatic entomology, pest management, insect-borne diseases, morphology, insect taxonomy, biological insect control, insect physiology and veterinary entomology. Entomology courses also trains students on modern approaches of epidemiology (study of the distribution, causes and effects of disease in human populations) and control of vectors and vector-borne diseases like dengue, plague, malaria, filariasis, tick and mite-borne diseases, etc. Personal Attributes: An entomologist should possess a keen interest in research and in the study of insects and related organisms. They must have an aptitude for science and the patience to carry out designed experiments and researches over long period of time. They should be creative and curious to explore new areas in the study of insects. They require good analytical, logical, observation, problem solving, critical-thinking, communication, organizational, supervisory, writing and speaking skills. Flexibility, Manual dexterity, logical approach to problem solving is also essential for an Entomologist. Entomologists have to work both independently and as part of a team. So they must possess the ability to work as a team and clearly express their views and ideas. They may work for long hours more than forty hours per week, especially on field trips or when experiments need to be monitored around the clock. In addition, entomologists must spend time reading and studying to keep up with new scientific developments that affect their work.