Bees, Apiculture and Pollination

The course "Bees, beekeeping and pollination" examines the most important insect pollinators and gives an insight into their taxonomy, biology and ecological role. Practical work and excursions with focus on bumble bees, solitary bees and honey bees give both an understanding of the variations in biology and knowledge of specific pollinator species and how human activities may improve or impair survival of pollinating insects. Emphasis is put on the domesticated honey bee because of their importance both as honey producers and as pollinators of cultivated crops. Beekeeping is described in some detail with practical demonstrations of management, queen rearing and honey extraction.