This module is the study of insects including their relationships to humans and the environment. it
will include focus on Insect Systematics and Diversity, Insect anatomy and physiology, their general biology and importance in agriculture including beekeeping, industry, forensics.

This module introduces students to the world of life inside a social insect colony. Focused primarily on the honeybee, but including elements of other social insects, this module covers material relating to bee communication, including; pheromones, waggle dance, grooming and other hygienic behaviours, defence and reproductive behaviours amongst others

This module will introduce the student to the basic principles of beekeeping including; what types of
honeybees are involved and where to get bees, types of hives, boxes and equipment needed to keep bees, how to inspect a colony, treatment options for pests and diseases, how to catch, mark and clip queens and manage swarming, basic queen rearing and harvesting honey. and preparing the colonies for winter.

This module will provide detailed information for students on Mendelian genetics, chromosomes,
meiosis and mitosis. We will introduce students to the particular genetics associated with the
hymenoptera including genetic aspects of asexual/sexual phases in the life cycle, inheritance in the honeybee, the genetic basis of sex determination including parthenogenesis. The module will also
apply evolutionary genetics knowledge to give an outline account of the the evolution of the honeybee as a social insect and its subsequent evolution into multiple strains globally.

This module will introduce students to the factors impacting honeybee health. This includes bee related
factors that regulate honeybee health such as social immunity, influence of microbiome and plant-bee interactions. It will then introduce students to the factors that negatively affect bee health including diseases, pathogens and poisons, habitat decline, and other human influences.

This module will develop the students knowledge of honey production and its preparation for show and sale. it will also deepen the students knowledge on apiary management including inspections, state of the art equipment and honey products and managing hygiene and disease.