Bachelor of Science in Entomology and Nematology

Students in the BS in Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida gain practical experience through laboratory work, field-based insect and nematode studies, research, specimen collection, and supervised internships. The program gives students access to specialized UF/IFAS facilities and the Florida Museum of Natural History, where they can work with insect collections, conduct laboratory analysis, use microscopy and imaging tools, and participate in faculty-led research projects. UF also offers dedicated ENY 4905 Internship, ENY 4911 Supervised Research, and ENY 4915 Honors Research opportunities that can place students directly into professional or research environments.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

• Undergraduate research: Students can undertake ENY 4911 Supervised Research or ENY 4915 Honors Research, working on faculty research projects and developing hands-on scientific research skills.
• Internships: ENY 4905 Internship provides a formal pathway for students to gain practical professional experience in entomology and nematology settings.
• Insect collections: Students can gain experience with the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity and its extensive research collections, including specimen curation, identification, and collection-management activities.
• Natural Area Teaching Laboratory: The Natural Area Teaching Laboratory (NATL) provides an outdoor setting for observing and collecting insects and plants in native habitats, supporting field-based learning.
• Microscopy and specimen preparation: UF's entomology facilities provide access to microscopes, specimen-preparation techniques, insect collections, and high-magnification visualization, allowing students to study specimens in laboratory settings.
• Digital imaging and analysis: Undergraduate research can involve digital museum images and ImageJ, with students learning to categorize, measure, and analyze insect morphology and generate research data.
• Molecular research: Students can encounter DNA extraction and molecular analysis through research and collections work at the McGuire Center's Molecular Lab.
• Insect behavior and molecular biology: Research opportunities include maintaining ant colonies, conducting laboratory experiments, and developing skills in molecular biology, animal behavior, neuroscience, and insect biology through faculty research projects.
• Medical entomology research: Students can participate in projects involving mosquito identification, microscopy, specimen preparation, biological data collection, and scientific record keeping, including research into insect vectors of diseases.
• Field-based learning: UF/IFAS entomology activities include field collection and observation at farms, nature preserves, greenhouse facilities, and insect-rearing sites, giving students opportunities to study insects in real environments.
• Museum internships: The Florida Museum Undergraduate Internship Program supports projects involving collections work, laboratory analysis, and fieldwork, giving UF undergraduates an additional route into hands-on natural-history experience.
• Research and extension facilities: Students can connect with specialized UF/IFAS resources including the Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab, where practical work can involve honeybee biology, behavior, and research activities. 

The Bachelor of Science in Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida gives students a strong foundation in the biology of insects, nematodes and related organisms, combining classroom study with laboratory experimentation and individual research. It suits students interested in ecology, biodiversity, agriculture, pest management, biosecurity, biotechnology, medical and veterinary entomology, or biological research, with three specialization options: Biological Science of Insects, Preprofessional, and Urban Pest Management.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their biological and chemical foundations through Integrated Principles of Biology 1, General Chemistry, and Principles of Entomology and Principles of Entomology Laboratory (ENY 3005/3005L). The first year introduces students to insect biology while building the science and mathematics preparation required for advanced study.

Year 2: Students move deeper into organismal science with General Chemistry 2, Principles of Nematology (NEM 3002) and supporting biological coursework. They begin exploring nematode morphology, life histories and control while developing the scientific foundation needed for upper-level entomology and ecology courses.

Year 3: The curriculum becomes more specialized through Insect Classification (ENY 4161C), Insect Behavior, and Insect Ecology, allowing students to investigate insect identification, behavior, ecological relationships and evolutionary processes. Students can also select areas such as Social Insects, Honey Bee Biology, Behavioral Ecology and Systematics, or other approved biological-science electives.

Year 4: Students apply their knowledge through advanced subjects such as Medical and Veterinary Entomology (ENY 4660), Insect Pest and Vector Management (IPM 4114) or Exotic Species and Biosecurity Issues (ALS 4161), alongside microbiology and upper-level electives. The final year also includes at least 3 credits of Supervised Research in Entomology (ENY 4911), giving students direct experience conducting research under departmental faculty supervision.

Focus areas: Biological Science of Insects, Preprofessional, Urban Pest Management, with coursework and faculty expertise spanning ecology, behavior, physiology, evolution, systematics, biodiversity conservation, medical and veterinary entomology, genomics and molecular biology, apiculture, agricultural pest management, and urban pest management.

Learning outcomes: Identify and explain insect morphology, physiology and behavior; acquire, analyze and synthesize entomological information; communicate scientific information effectively in oral and written forms.

Professional alignment (accreditation): University-level accreditation: the University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The program also requires students to pass an Entomology and Nematology competency exam before graduation, providing an additional program-level assessment of disciplinary knowledge.

Reputation (employability rankings): University of Florida: UF reported a No. 1 ranking among U.S. public universities for graduate employability in the 2016 Times Higher Education Global University Employability Survey, with UF ranked No. 8 overall in the United States; this is a university-wide historical employability ranking rather than a ranking specifically for Entomology and Nematology.