Information Package / Course Catalogue
Vector Genomics and Control Strategy
Course Code: BYL463
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 1
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 3
Objectives of the Course

The objective of this course is to provide undergraduate biology students with a vision to recognize vector organisms (mosquitoes, ticks, etc.) that threaten public health, along with the pathogens they carry, at molecular, ecological, and genomic levels. Within this scope, the course aims to teach morphological and molecular identification methods both theoretically and practically (laboratory), to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying chemical insecticide resistance, and to convey the fundamentals of population genetics.

Course Content

Vector genome projects, bioinformatics databases (VectorBase, NCBI), field sampling, morphological identification, DNA isolation, PCR and gel electrophoresis applications, molecular identification (DNA Barcoding), ELISA, DNA sequence analyses, Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), RIDL, CRISPR/Cas9-based gene drives, ecological risks of these technologies, integrated vector management (IVM) strategies, case studies, and article interpretation.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Can explain the global importance of vector-borne diseases; can define the immune systems of vectors and their molecular interactions with pathogens
2.Can apply field vector sampling strategies; can perform morphological identification at the genus/species level using keys under a stereo microscope, and can execute molecular identification processes in the laboratory using DNA barcoding (COI/ITS2) methods.
3.Can query target genes using genomic databases such as VectorBase and NCBI, design primers, and analyze DNA sequencing results for mutation detection.
4.Can explain target-site mutations (kdr, Ace-1) and metabolic detoxification processes developed against chemical control agents at the molecular level; can compare biological and molecular resistance bioassays
5.Can interpret gene flow and genetic drift in vector populations, as well as the effects of climate change on the geographic distribution of these organisms.
6.Can explain the working principles of modern biotechnological control methods such as Wolbachia-based cytoplasmic incompatibility (IIT), RIDL, and CRISPR/Cas9-based gene drives.
7.Can critically evaluate the ecological risks associated with the release of transgenic and gene-drive insects, laboratory escape scenarios, biosafety protocols, and universal ethical values.
8.Can interpret scientific data obtained from laboratory applications such as DNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, and share them in the form of concrete reports or presentations within the framework of Integrated Vector Management (IVM).
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Marquardt, W. C. (2004). Biology of Disease Vectors (2nd ed.). Academic Press
2.Atkinson, P. W. (Ed.). (2012). Vector Biology, Ecology and Control. Springer.
3.World Health Organization. (2017). Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030. WHO Guidelines
4.VectorBase Bioinformatics Database (https://vectorbase.org)
5.NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6.Recent scientific literature, articles, and reviews selected by the instructor from peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Trends in Parasitology, Parasites & Vectors, Insect Molecular Biology).
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical & Practice
Vector Concept and Public Health Entomology. Current status of vector-borne diseases in the world and in Turkey. Introduction to field vector sampling equipment (CDC light traps, aspirators, sweep nets) and sampling strategies.
Week 2 - Theoretical & Practice
Vector Genome Projects and Model Organisms. Morphological identification of vectors in the laboratory (Use of mosquito adult and larval keys under a stereo microscope).
Week 3 - Theoretical & Practice
Vector Bioinformatics: Use of VectorBase and NCBI databases. Identifying mosquito target genes (e.g., acetylcholinesterase or sodium channel genes) via VectorBase and primer design.
Week 4 - Theoretical & Practice
Gene searching and BLAST processes. Total DNA Isolation from field-collected or colony-reared mosquito/tick samples (Protocol setup)
Week 5 - Theoretical & Practice
Molecular Identification of Vectors (DNA Barcoding). Commonly used gene regions (COI, ITS2). Quantitative determination of isolated DNAs (Nanodrop/Fluorometer) and setting up Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the COI region
Week 6 - Theoretical & Practice
olecular Basis of Vector-Pathogen Interactions. Vector immune system responses (Toll, IMD pathways). Running previous week's PCR products on Agarose Gel Electrophoresis and band analysis in a gel imaging system
Week 7 - Theoretical & Practice
Molecular Mechanisms of Insecticide Resistance (Target-site mutations: kdr, Ace-1). Traditional Biological Resistance Bioassays (WHO Tube Tests / CDC Bottle Tests) (Oral exam)
Week 8 - Theoretical & Practice
Behavioral Mechanisms of Insecticide Resistance. Current Literature / Article discussion. (Midterm Exam)
Week 9 - Theoretical & Practice
Metabolic Resistance Mechanisms. ELISA method
Week 10 - Theoretical & Practice
Molecular Surveillance and Pooled Sample Analysis. Pathogen screening strategies in fieldcollected vectors (Allele-specific PCR, Multiplex PCR, etc.). Bioinformatics: Analysis of vector sequencing results, chromatogram reading, and mutation mapping
Week 11 - Theoretical & Practice
Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Insect Incompatible Technique (IIT). (Explanation. Screening and analysis of Wolbachia presence in vector populations using PCR-based methods
Week 12 - Theoretical & Practice
Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Insect Incompatible Technique (IIT). Current article discussion
Week 13 - Theoretical & Practice
Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Insect Incompatible Technique (IIT). Current article discussion
Week 14 - Theoretical & Practice
CRISPR/Cas9 and Gene Drives. Group discussion/case study on biosafety risks of gene drives, laboratory escape scenarios, and barrier systems; Current article discussion
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%5
Verbal Examination1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory141242
Lecture - Practice141128
Midterm Examination1213
Final Examination1516
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)79
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
OÇ-1
4
4
OÇ-2
5
5
5
OÇ-3
4
5
4
OÇ-4
4
5
4
OÇ-5
4
5
4
OÇ-6
5
5
OÇ-7
4
5
4
5
OÇ-8
4
5
5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026