APICULTURE

Introduction: definitions, origin and importance of bee beekeeping; Taxonomy: races of African bees, Africanised bees, honeybee races of economic importance; Life history / caste development; Anatomy: external features, digestive system; Physiology: communication, navigation & chemical ecology; Division of labour activities; Bee behaviour; Beekeeping practices: types of beehives, apiary management; Bee products, handling, processing and quality control; The role of bees in pollination; Pests and diseases; The future of beekeeping; challenges: contamination of bee products, urban beekeeping; Gender roles and issues in bee-keeping.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           COURSE OBJECTIVES: 

• This course is generally a stand alone course, but to some degree relies on the students’ knowledge gained from previous courses especially Introductory entomology, Biochemistry and general Physiology