This course is designed to apprise the students with a broad field of beekeeping. Students will be briefly introduced to the principles and management practices needed for advanced beekeeping. All the participants will practically learn and perform the hive management, opening and examining colonies, supplementary feeding of honeybees, management of pests and diseases, and harvesting of beeswax and honey. This study guide will train the students to establish their own beekeeping as a hobby or commercial business.

CAUTION:

1. During practical sessions, there is a chance of being stung by honeybees. So, attendees should make sure that they are not allergic to honeybee stings.
2. Bees can become aggressive with textured, woolly, and dark-colored clothing, so always remember to wear smooth textured and light-colored cloths.
3. Please avoid using perfumes and strong-smelling hair oils.
4. Remove the metal rings, wristwatches, and other jewelry before handling the bees.
5. We strongly recommend wearing a beekeeper’s protective suit, gloves, and veil to cover your exposed body parts.

           Remember: Warmer weather means more active bees!

Learning Outcomes

       By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand basic knowledge of the biology, morphology, and physiology of honeybees
2. Understand the importance of honeybees (as critical pollinators)
3. Practice all type of hive manipulations
4. Start and maintain an apiary (as a hobby or business)
5. Control the pests and diseases of honeybees
6. Have a broad idea of international research in apiculture.

Course Contents

        (Theory)

1. Introduction of apiculture 
2. Importance, scope of apiculture industry  
3. Bee species and their biology, morphology, behavior, and products 
4. Bee flora their distribution and flowering time 
5. Beekeeping equipment, seasonal management 
6. Uniting, dividing and preparation for shifting colonies 
7. Bee stings, queen rearing and swarming 
8. Pest and diseases of bees and their management 
9. Honey extraction 
10. Factors affecting honey yield 
11. Importance of bees in pollination 
12. Honey, its properties and uses 
13. Granulation, fermentation, and storage of honey 
14. Uses of other bee products 
15. Beekeeping as an enterprise 

        (Practical)

1. Practical demonstration of bee colonies 
2. Observation of colonies and different casts 
3. Beekeeping equipment 
4. Preparation of frames and comb foundation for their hives 
5. Colony inspection; visit to apiaries 

        (Recommended Books)

1. Ahmad, R. 1979. A Guide to Bee Keeping in Pakistan. Extension Book. 
2. Devillers, J., Phame, M. and Delegue, M. 2002. Honey Bees. 

        (Suggested Books)

1. Goodwin, R.N. and Van Eaton, C. 1999. Elimination of American Foulbrood without the use of Drugs. A Practical Manual for Bee Keepers. National Bee Keepers Association of New Zealand, Napier, New Zealand.
2. Hooper, T. 1991. Guide to Bees and Honey. BAS Printers Ltd. Hampshir, UK.

Assessment / Evaluation Criteria

       All the students will be evaluated as follows:

      Sessional: 08 marks   Mid-term Exams: 12 marks   Practical: 20 marks   Final Exams: 20 marks

      (Total marks = 60)

      Sessional marks will be awarded based on:

• Class attendance (more than 75%)
• Assignments / Quizzes
• Active participation of students in the class

      Practical marks will include:

• A written paper
• Handling of a honeybee colony (by working as a team)
• Viva Voce