Bees and Beekeeping - Course Information

Description

An introduction to honey bee biology, the social organization of the honey bee colony and to modern beekeeping practices. Approximately 65% of the course is devoted to biology, including pollination, with the remainder of the course devoted to a discussion of management practices.

Grading

Grades will be awarded on the basis of student performance on two preliminary examinations,, a final exam, and several concept map exercises; 55% of the course grade will be based on the midterm exams, 35% on the final exam, and 10% on the concept maps. Exams must be taken on the date scheduled unless excused by the instructor prior to the exam day, or the student can provide written verification from a medical doctor of an illness. The final examination is administered as directed by University policy and is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, 2006, 10:05 AM - 12:05 PM.

Concept Map Assignments

Assignment 1 - due February

Extra Credit Exam 1

Course Syllabus

Class	Date	Topic
1	1/17/2006	Introduction: The Apiculture Industry (B&W Version)
2	1/19/2006	History of Beekeeping (B&W Version)
3	1/24/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: Insects, Bees and their Relatives (B&W Version)
4	1/26/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: The Biology and Systematics of the Apoidea (B&W Version)
5	1/31/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: Occupants of the Hive (B&W Version)
6	2/2/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: The Natural Nest (B&W Version)
7	2/7/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: Social Organization of the Colony and Life History of a Worker Bee (B&W Version)
8	2/9/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: Social Organization of the Colony and Life History of a Worker Bee (B&W Version) Concept Map Assignment Due 2/21/06
9	2/14/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: Honey Bee Pheromones (B&W Version)
10	2/16/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: Pheromones & Social Control (B&W Version)
11	2/21/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: The Dance Language (B&W Version)
12	2/23/2006	EXAM I (covers classes 1 - 10)
13	2/28/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: The Dance Language and Orientation, Dance Language Controversy (B&W Version)
14	3/2/2006	Keeping Honey Bees: Equipment and Hive Location (B&W Version)
15	3/14/2006	How to Start in Beekeeping: Techniques to Get Started (B&W Version)
16	3/16/2006	How to Start in Beekeeping: continued
17	3/21/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: Senses of the Honey Bee (B&W Version)
18	3/23/2006	Biology of the Honey Bee: Colony Cycle of the Year and Colony Reproduction (B&W Version)
19	3/28/2006	Spring Management: Colony Inspection, Buildup, and Swarm Prevention (B&W Version)
20	3/30/2006	Bee Diseases AFB and EFB (B&W Version)
21	4/4/2006	Stress Diseases and Tracheal Mites (B&W Version)
22	4/6/2006	EXAM II (covers classes 11 - 20)
23	4/11/2005	Parasitic Bee Mites Varroa Mites and mite management (B&W Version - see bee diseases)
24	4/13/2006	Other Pests of Bees: Wax moths, hive beetles, mice and skunks
25	4/18/2005	Pollination: Biology and Economics of Crop Pollination, Responsibilities of the Beekeeper (B&W Version)
26	4/20/2006	Pollination: Crop Requirements, Pollination Problems and Pesticides (B&W Version)
27	4/25/2006	Summer Management: Honey Production, Nectar Flows, Queen Management (B&W Version)
28	4/27/2006	Harvesting the Honey Crop: Removing Honey from the Hive; Extraction and Bottling Honey (B&W Version)
29	5/2/2006	Fall and Winter Management: Winter Biology and Care of Colonies (B&W Version)