Natural Science 0159 - Pesticide Alternatives

The use of synthetic chemical pesticides has created environmental and health problems throughout the world, from the contamination of water supplies in Western Massachusetts to the poisoning of farm workers in Costa Rica. This course will examine problems associated with pesticides and how they arise, and how much we actually know vs. how much we only suspect. We will then review in detail various alternative methods for pest control, such as the "biological control" of pests using their natural enemies, or the use of plant extracts or their own sex attractants to repel, attract, or confuse them. Some background on the issues of sustainable agriculture, environmental pollution, and health in general will be included for context. The politics of pesticide use, such as who really benefits from the overuse of pesticides and how they are often "dumped" in the Third World, will also be an important component. This course will consist of lectures, discussions, films, field trips, and field/lab research, including using live insects to test or develop various methods or mechanisms.

Physical and Biological Sciences Independent Work Quantitative Skills In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.