PROFESSOR:  Dr. R.A. Nicholson
Office:  B8278
Phone:  291-4107
 

DESCRIPTION:

The aim of this course is to provide a comprehensive review of the chemistry, toxicology, metabolism and molecular basis of action of chemical insecticides and other selected pesticidal substances. Initial emphasis will be given to the organochlorines, organophosphorus insecticides, the avermectins and the synthetic pyrethroids which occupy a position of prominence in crop protection and environmental health. Resistance to pyrethroids has stimulated much interest and two sessions will be devoted to an examination of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved. The current status of pyrethroid resistance in economically important arthropods and approaches that have been proposed to counter resistance will also be reviewed. The remainder of the course is aimed at providing an appreciation of the toxicology and mode of action of surangin B (a natural product insecticide) and recently discovered chemical insecticides, including the phenylpyrazoles, spinosyns, arylalkylbenzhydrolpiperidines and neonicotinoids.

The course will consist of twelve 3 hour periods. Meetings in the first few weeks will consist of my lecture plus a discussion period. From week 4 onwards, sessions will also include graduate student presentations (each 0.75 h; see below) followed by discussion.

TEXT:

No specific book is recommended for this course. Some lecture notes will be given out and participants will be directed to selected readings where appropriate.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING:

Each student will be required to:

1) write a COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW PAPER dealing with an agreed area of pesticide toxicology and
2) present a 45 minute ORAL DELIVERY of the subject chosen for review.

Final grading will be based on the review paper (50%), the oral presentation (30%) and class participation (20%).