Chemical Ecology for Sustainable Insect Pest Control

About this programme

This course is for Master’s students interested in how chemical signals shape insect behaviour and how this knowledge can help develop sustainable pest control. Through lectures, discussions and project work, you explore how chemical ecology contributes to future crop protection. You gain insight into how insects use chemical signals to find food, mates and habitats, and how these interactions can be used to develop environmentally friendly pest control methods. As society seeks alternatives to conventional pesticides, chemical ecology provides innovative tools for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity protection. The course introduces key concepts, such as semiochemicals, odour-mediated insect behaviour and multitrophic interactions, linking fundamental science to real-world crop protection challenges. You learn how chemical signals can be used to monitor pests, reduce crop damage and support integrated pest management strategies aligned with global sustainability goals. Through lectures, scientific literature discussions, experimental design and project work, you develop skills to analyse research and design solutions for sustainable insect control. The course emphasises critical thinking and connects current research with practical applications in agriculture and horticulture. Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits, of which at least 30 credits in natural sciences and English 6. BI1346, Chemical Ecology for Sustainable Insect Pest Control, 15.0 Hp Print syllabus The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria