Registration for the 2023 WaspID Course is now open! Click the button above to register for the course through Penn State’s online system. Registration is open through January 1, 2023. See below for details regarding information sessions and other course information!
The WaspID Course will return for its second session this coming winter from 9-20 January 2023! We have many exciting improvements in store for course students – please continue to check this website as well as our twitter and Facebook group for updates regarding this second course offering! As with our previous session, the 2023 session will be delivered virtually over zoom. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive updates on this next session, please click the button below:
Student Information Sessions
The WaspID Course will be leading three student information sessions via zoom throughout this fall! Join us to find out more about the course, our mission, content, and more! Please RSVP using the button below. Dates and times for information sessions are as follows:
- Sep 28 – 10:00pm UTC (06:00pm EDT)
- Oct 19 – 09:00am UTC (05:00am EDT)
- Nov 16 – 04:00pm UTC (11:00am EST)
About the WaspID Course
The WaspID Course was first envisioned by Louis Nastasi in August 2021 during a lively twitter conversation discussing identification of wasps. Just six months later, the first ever session of the WaspID Course was delivered from 3-14 January, 2022 for over 330 registered students. The first session included lectures from nearly 20 hymenopterists (scientists that study wasps and their kin) who shared their expertise on the incredible diversity of wasps. Preparations are underway for our second session, which will take place 9-20 January, 2023.
Course content
The WaspID Course covers the following concepts:
- Introductory systematics, taxonomy, and biodiversity
- Wasp morphology
- General wasp biology
- How to collect and rear wasps
- Insect preservation and curation
- Identification and recognition of every extant wasp family (over 80!)
Why take the WaspID Course?
Fantastic instructors
The WaspID Course has recruited an incredible team of instructors, each of whom will teach students about their area of expertise. Course faculty include graduate students, museum specialists, and university professors from all around the world! The 2023 course session will feature content from 19 instructors.
Course resources
The WaspID Course supplies students with a vast array of resources for identifying wasps including comprehensive literature lists, identification guides, and even 3D specimen images! What exactly is a 3D specimen image? Sign up for the course and find out!
Accessible content
The WaspID Course is the first course of its kind to offer both synchronous and asynchronous participation! Lectures, workshops, and other course materials are available entirely asynchronously to allow students to investigate the diversity of wasps at their own pace. Each lecture includes transcripts and original lecture slides. Those desiring a more-traditional course experience can attend live zoom sessions including live Q&A and collaborative identification exercises.
A community of wasp fanatics
The first session of the WaspID Course allowed us to construct an extensive network of wasp fans from around the world! Our twitter page, Facebook group, and other forms of correspondence have sought to bring people together to discuss the incredible diversity of wasps. We are continually finding new ways to showcase these incredible insects and engage with the scientific community!
WaspID certification
The WaspID Course offers a certificate of completion for those seeking formal documentation of their participation in the course. Students may also opt for a graded version of the course to comply with institutional requirements.
Do you need more convincing? See what previous students have to say about the WaspID Course!
“I thought [the course] was a great way to connect a global audience. The virtual formatting encouraged interaction amongst participants, was well organized, and provided an abundance of information in various formats.”
Over 98% of students surveyed during the 2022 session say they’d recommend the WaspID Course!
“A wonderful way to get immersed in wasps in the middle of the Canadian winter, super flexible in terms of managing other competing priorities through the asynchronous options, and an amazing way to meet people from all over the world!“
Course cost
The WaspID Course is supported by a modest fee that is used to support instructors for their time and to generate new content for the course. The course structure for the 2023 session will be as follows (although exact amounts are subject to change):
- Normal registration: $50
- Student registration: $40
- Normal registration including certification: $60
- Student registration including certification: $50
- Fully graded: $100 (this option is suitable for undergraduate/graduate students who are eligible for course credits through their home institutions for external workshops; more information here)
Options including certification will result in a certificate of completion for the enrolled student upon submission of completed course worksheets and an accompanying certification form.
The WaspID Course is an educational opportunity run through participation of many members of the entomological community. All materials used on this website are the property of their respective owners.
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