COURSE DESCRIPTION

For thousands of years, humans have had a close relationship with honey bees. Even before they were domesticated, humans developed clever ways to use bees and bee products, often by fostering relationships across many species. This long history and  intimate relationship between bees and humans is evident in the myriad ways that bees have shown up in art, religion, literature and science up to the present day. We can learn a lot about ourselves by studying the cooperative society of this eusocial insect and their complex biology.  Indeed, humans continue to be inspired by these creatures in fields of sociology, computer science, architecture, evolutionary biology, psychology, and more.

The intoxicating mystery of the honey bee has inspired many to take up beekeeping as a hobby: from fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, to actor Morgan Freeman, to physicist Eva Crane. Perhaps you are next! If so, learning how to keep bees responsibly is of the utmost importance. Many are aware of the threats that bees face and the population declines of recent years, but the causes, implications and solutions to these problems are less well-known. In this course, you will learn the history of the inspirational relationship between bees and people, their fascinating biology, responsible and sustainable practical beekeeping techniques, how to use bees for art and food, and how bees fit into the greater ecological and agricultural landscape.

This course provides an opportunity for learners to:

• Identify the importance of bees throughout human history.
• Recognize the threats facing honey bees and other pollinators.
• Explain the place of honey bees in agriculture now and in the past.
• Describe the connection of honey bees to human culture.
• Explain honey bee biology, behavior, and evolution.
• Apply honey bee behavior, and biology to practical beekeeping techniques.
• Create unique art and value-added products with hive products.
  

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COURSE-AT-A-GLANCE

The topical overview of the course below provides an early taste of what you can expect as you embark on this learning journey. To view a full description of each lesson, toggle to the ‘Lessons’ tab at the top of this screen.

• Module 1 – Honey Bees in History and Culture
• Module 2 – Honey Bee Biology
• Module 3 – Practical Beekeeping Techniques
• Module 4 – Products of the Hive
• Module 5 – Honey Bees in Modern Culture

AUDIENCE

This course is suited for:

• Anyone interested in keeping bees, supporting pollinators, or supporting ecosystems
• Those curious about the bee hype 
• Those interested in eusocial communication,
• Anyone looking for biophilic design inspiration
• Professional and home chefs interested in harvesting honey to incorporate into cooking
• Crafters
• People interested in self sufficiency
• Anyone looking for a mindfulness hobby 
• Gardeners seeking to support crop development

COURSE DEVELOPER – Nissa Coit

This course was developed by Nissa Coit. She is a life-long student of the natural world and has a Bachelor’s degree in biology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an Master’s degree in Entomology from the University of California at Davis. She studied honey bees in both undergraduate and graduate school, where she applied her biological educational background to practical management and research of honey bee hives to learn about honey bee biology, behavior, ecology and management. Her thesis work for graduate school concerned the environmental and social triggers for the physiological transition to overwintering in honey bees.

DISCLAIMER:

Course descriptions on this webpage are for informational purposes only. Content may be updated or changed as planning evolves. EcoGather reserves the right to alter the program specifics, including details about course content, instructors, collaborations, field trips, facilities and pricing, at any time without notice.