ENTOMOLOGY 361

Honey Bee Biology (Beekeeping)

OBJECTIVES OF COURSE

1. To acquaint students with the insect sociality and its role in development of biological theory (kin selection, sociobiology, superorganism).
2. To provide students with specific knowledge about honey bees and their crucial role in food production.
3. To introduce students to concepts and practices in beekeeping.

LECTURE OUTLINE

           
No. of Lectures                       Topic

1   Classification of Hymenoptera and bees
1   Insect sociality, genetics, kin selection
1   Evolution/phylogeography of A. mellifera subspecies, morphology
2   Colony life history, castes, behavior
1   History of beekeeping (Apis, non-Apis), importation and
    establishment of honey bees in the New World. 
1   Pollination - importance to US agriculture
1   Beekeeping practices, modern and primitive equipment
2   Seasonal colony management
1   Diseases and pests of bees, allergies
1   Commercial products of the apiary
1   The beekeeping industry - commercial and hobbyist
1   Future considerations: urbanization, Africanized honey bees,
    colony reductions

GRADING CRITERIA

• 3 (1 hour) Lecture Exams (20% each) 60%
• 1 final exam 40%