Biological Interactions and Social Behaviour in Insects

the course aims to provide the students an overview on the complex mutualistic and antagonistic interactions between insects and other insects, microorganisms, plants and animals. In addition, the course aims to introduce the molecular mechanisms underpinning those interactions and that results from a long coevolution process. Key knowledge on the biology and ethology of the social behaviour in insects will be also provided.

The students will be able to understand the complex interactions between insects and other organisms and the molecular mechanisms underlying mutualistic and antagonistic interactions. In addition, they will acquire the knowledge of key biological and ethological aspects of social behaviour in insects.