ENY 6576 Honey Bee Biology
Description
This course will provide an in-depth look into the fascinating world of honey bee biology. We will explore topics including honey bee sociality, taxonomy, biogeography, behavior, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, nutrition and genetics. Additionally, these topics will be discussed via the paradigm of the honey bee superorganism.
Course Format
Online
Course Goals
- Compare the life-history strategies of different honey bee species and contrast the different traits of honey bee subspecies.
- Differentiate between the techniques used to discriminate honey bee subspecies and discuss how they could be used more broadly in apiculture.
- Describe the different tasks of honey bee workers and distinguish how these might change depending on conditions within the colony.
- Organize the different vectors of influence that affect honey bee social behavior based on their level of influence.
- Identify the different structures of the honey bee anatomy and discuss how these function together as physiological systems.
- Critique the concept of the honey bee superorganism and argue whether or not honey bees fit this paradigm.
- Interpret the findings from recent honey bee biology research publications and discuss the relevance they have in other scientific disciplines.
- Summarize how feedbacks between nutrition and pathogens can possibly create a stress cycle that negatively impacts honey bee health
- Explain the implications that a particular pest and/or pathogen might have on honey bee behaviors.
- Create extension documents that will teach honey bee biology to non-scientific audiences.
