The course introduces bee biology with specific relevance to beekeeping. In addition, bee diseases, forage plants in Norway, material, business forms and economics will be covered as well as the use of honeybees as a biological model species, new research on the relationship between wild bees and honeybees and effects of parasites and pesticides.  Students will acquire practical experience with ordinary care of beehives, queen breeding, migratory beekeeping and overwintering methods. The course content may change.

The course is suitable for those who wish to start their own beekeeping, for those who wish to work with insect pollinated crops, for those who will deal with the beekeeping sector in management issues and for those who wish to work for local beekeeping groups or other associations to promote the development of Norwegian beekeeping. The course provides knowledge about important biological, health management, botanical, business and economic aspects that must be mastered by teachers or advisers in the field of beekeeping. The course will also discuss bees as social insects and as a biological model organism regarding sociality and age research.

Lectures, practical beekeeping, field trips.

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Roar Ree Kirkevold: Ingar'sis birøkt, 2013. Lectures, handouts and practical beekeeping skills.

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Preferably some background in biology.

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Written independent/group assignment based on a literature study or practical filed/laboratory work and a final examination that counts 50 % of the final grade.

150 hours.

Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)

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The course lasts two weeks, the first part in June and the second in August. Written assignment between the first and second part of lectures. Lecturing time can vary from day to day, because practical exercises are dependent on weather conditions. 20 - 30 hours will be allocated for exercises and excursions.

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External examiner.