MPM Courses

The M.P.M. program uses strong applied approaches to learning and discussion of biological principles, and provides experience interfacing science with problems facing society. Its curriculum uses theory to guide practice but recognizes guidance must be effective and workable. A core of graduate courses, while theoretically based, extend the principles of biological systems to practices that reduce the impact of pest organisms. Additionally, field courses where pest biology and management are examined and assessed within their environmental and human contexts, are an integral part of the program.

The program requirements are:

1. Four classroom-based graduate courses
2. Two graduate field courses
3. A research-based thesis
4. Electives & Other Courses

Graduate Courses
Students must take four classroom-based graduate courses. Of these, one must be BISC 847 Pest Management in Practice, and two additional 800 level courses must selected from the following list of BISC graduate courses that are particularly relevant to pest management. Students can select one elective from other graduate courses in Biological Sciences or elsewhere with approval of their supervisory committee.
 

Courses of Particular Relevance to Pest Management
These graduate courses are usually offered biannually during the fall or spring semesters, depending on faculty availability and student demand. Some courses may not be offered in every two-year cycle.

BISC 816: Biology and Management of Insects

Bionomics, ecology, economic impact, and management of the major groups of insects, based on intensive reviews of information on representative species.
 

BISC 817: Evolution of Social Behaviour

Study of the proximate and ultimate causes and consequences of alternative social systems in non-human animals.
 

BISC 841: Plant Disease Development and Control

An examination of the major factors that lead to development of soil-associated and foliar plant diseases in cultivated crops, in relation to the nature, underlying principles, application and limitations of various types of control practices.
 

BISC 842: Molecular Physiology of Insects

An examination of hormonal and nutritional factors that influence growth and development, as well as energy metabolism in insects, with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms involved in their regulation.
 

BISC 843: Applied Behavioural Ecology

Concepts and methods from behavioural ecology and population dynamics are used to solve problems of an applied nature (e.g. pest management, harvesting policies, management of human diseases). Model building and analysis feature prominently.
 

BISC 844: Biological Controls

Principles, theory and practice of the use of living organisms in the natural regulation and the applied control of pest organisms. Emphasis will be on parasitic insects, and will include host specificity, genetic controls, and the evolution of host-parasite associations.
 

BISC 846: Insecticide Chemistry and Toxicology

The chemistry of insecticides, with emphasis on their toxicology, metabolism and molecular mechanism of action.
 

BISC 847: Pest Management in Practice

Status and special problems of research, development and implementation of pest management programs in different kinds of ecosystems; consideration of factors such as management systems, economics, communication, legal and social constraints, and ethics in the practice of pest management.
 

BISC 851: Vertebrate Pests

Evaluation of the biology of vertebrates that are in conflict with human activities; discussion of control strategies and economic and social impacts.
 

BISC 852: Biology of Animal Disease Vectors

Physiological, molecular, and behavioural interactions between parasites of human importance and their insect vectors. Emphasis placed on current literature relating to modern approaches in reducing parasite transmission.
 

BISC 884: Special Topics in Pest Ecology and Management

A course that provides graduate students with an in-depth analysis of a topic in pest ecology and management. The course content will change from year to year to reflect student interests and topical research, and can be taught by any faculty member of the Department of Biological Sciences.
 

STAT 650: Quantitative Methods for Resource Managers and Field Biologists

A practical introduction to useful sampling techniques and intermediate level experimental designs especially applicable to biologically based research.

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Graduate Field Courses
The field courses combine classroom lectures with field demonstrations and problem-based learning. The students are provided with an overview of pest control methods as they are currently practiced in agriculture, forestry, and urban environments. The courses include visits to working farms, commercial forest operations, grain elevators, and research laboratories. Instruction is supported by specialists from government agencies, extension services, industry, and pest control companies. When feasible, students participate in pest management activities, such as field sampling, diagnosis of pest problems, and calibration and use of equipment.

Students must take two field courses (8 days each):

BISC 601-2: Agriculture, Horticulture and Urban Pest Management

A broad range of agricultural pests and their management, with emphasis on insects, crop diseases, and weeds in greenhouses, orchards and field crops. Pest problems in urban environments, including stored products in and near buildings.
 

BISC 602-2: Forest Pest Management

Management of insect, microbial, vertebrate and plant pests of forests and forest products, including seed orchards, nurseries, dryland sorting areas. Emphasis is placed on diagnosis, decision-making, interactions and techniques for forest pest management.

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Thesis
Students enrol in BISC 849 and write a laboratory or field-based research thesis. The thesis involves some aspect of pest biology and management. In their theses, students are encouraged to include sections where their research is interpreted to offer guidance for the management of pests. The M.P.M. thesis has an applied orientation, which distinguishes it from the M.Sc. program.

BISC 849: Master of Pest Management Thesis

An independent research thesis based on laboratory or fieId-based research and focused on some aspect of pest management. The research may be supervised by any faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences. The research can be conducted in collaboration with other organizations or institutions willing to sponsor the project.

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Electives & Other Courses
Refer to the official SFU calendar for information on other courses of interest to prospective M.P.M. students.

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