Tutor/Facilitator David Bourne
When
Date: on/from Tue 2 May 2023 to Tue 9 May 2023
Frequency: Weekly
Class time: 11:30-1:00
Delivered ZOOM
Other information
Following the course on the evolution of the earth early this year I’ve found a much less challenging course to present. It’s all about insects, a wonderful look at the diversity of insect populations, what they eat and what eats them and how we share the same world as them. If you saw the presentation on evolution you probably enjoyed the quality of the lectures and the enthusiasm of the presenter Scott Solomon. Here he is again with a topic that fits well with his research interests.
The series of lectures start with a look at the insects we probably encounter every day, followed by the biology of insects, the role insects have played in history, the destruction served by some and the beneficial services of others. There is also consideration of climate change and its effect on the insect population. This has become a serious concern in many countries as evidence is suggesting that loss of insect populations have a profound effect on the whole ecosystem.
REQUIREMENTS: General interest
TUTOR: David is a PhD graduate and research scientist for many years. Major interests include chemistry, plant biochemistry and mass spectrometry. Last position was Senior Research Scientist with Defence Science Technology Organisation at Fisherman’s Bend. He says: I have always been interested and fascinated by science, developed an early interest in chemistry (aged 13) and managed to set up a lab at the end of the garage – mainly used to synthesise explosive things. My working life involved mainly biochemistry and mass spectrometry but I was always interested in astronomy, geology and plant pathology.